Close Election in Montreal’s Parc-Extension raises Questions About Voting Access
A remarkably close municipal election result in Montreal’s Parc-Extension district has prompted calls for a recount and scrutiny of the election’s execution. Longtime city councillor Mary Deros lost her seat after 27 years representing the district, falling short by a mere six votes.
Deros reports receiving numerous complaints from voters on election day regarding difficulties accessing polling stations. Specifically, she alleges that the polling stations at Sinclair Laird and William Hingston community centres did not open until 10:30 AM, preventing some residents who wished to vote before attending church services from doing so.
Further concerns were raised about inaccurate information. Deros claims the address of at least one polling station was incorrect on voter information, directing voters to the wrong location. She stated that some voters left after encountering locked doors or arriving at the incorrect address, and she has no information on whether they returned to vote.
Deros also highlighted issues with voter card delivery, reporting instances of cards being misdelivered or left in common areas of apartment buildings without names, possibly confusing residents, particularly within Parc-Extension’s diverse community. She suggested some residents may have disregarded the cards altogether due to a lack of understanding of their purpose.
Accessibility at polling stations also emerged as a critically important concern. Deros pointed to the William Hingston community center,citing broken sidewalks and a lengthy,uneven pathway to the entrance as barriers for seniors and individuals with disabilities.She argued this did not meet standards for “universal accessibility.”
Isabelle Ducharme, chair of Kéroul, a Montreal organization advocating for inclusive public spaces, corroborated these concerns. Ducharme stated her organization received reports from residents struggling to locate and access polling stations. She noted issues extended beyond entrances, including long walking distances within buildings like schools to reach voting areas and a lack of seating for those unable to stand for extended periods. Ducharme expressed surprise that these problems continue to occur, emphasizing that accessible voting is a “basic human right.” She also highlighted the impact of seemingly minor issues like poor signage and insufficient volunteer assistance.
Élections Montréal responded with a statement asserting that all polling sites were “universally accessible” and that staff had received training to assist voters. The organization acknowledged some minor delays but maintained that no one was prevented from voting. They also stated information on voter cards was available online and by phone during the recent Canada Post strike, and that dialog efforts were made through advertising and social media.
Despite Élections Montréal’s response, Deros remains unconvinced. She expressed concern over “inconsistencies” and questioned whether they were the result of intentional actions or a lack of expertise. With 211 rejected ballots in her district,Deros believes a recount is necessary to determine the accurate outcome.
“I have hope that once we do the recount, we’ll get to the bottom of this,” Deros said, adding that she is proud of her 27 years of public service and remains committed to serving the Parc-Extension community.
