Who can run as a candidate?

For 2026: it is already over

The nomination deadline was September 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. All 908 candidacies are already set — this page explains the general rules, useful for understanding the system, not for registering in this election.

Eligibility requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• Canadian citizenship
• Domiciled in Quebec for 6 months or more
• Registered on the list of electors
• Not having lost one's electoral rights

Same basis as the right to vote — but you can run in any riding, not necessarily the one where you live.

Who cannot run

• Judges of the superior courts
• The Chief Electoral Officer and the returning officers
• Official agents of candidates or parties
• Federal MPs (House of Commons)
• People convicted of an indictable offence punishable by 2 years of imprisonment or more

Required documents and steps

• A nomination paper with photo
• A piece of identification (birth certificate, citizenship certificate, passport, driver's licence or health insurance card)
• The signatures of at least 100 electors in the riding concerned
• If affiliated with a party: a letter from the party leader confirming the nomination

Party candidate vs independent

A party candidate does not solicit funds themselves — the party manages the financing. An independent candidate must obtain authorization from the Chief Electoral Officer before soliciting contributions or incurring expenses, even minor ones.