Increased engagement in the Arthabaska-L'Érable region
In the upcoming Arthabaska-L'Érable by-election, advance voting has proven to be a popular choice among electors, with over 25% of voters casting their ballots during the advance polls held on August 3 and 4. This surpasses the 2018 statistics for advance voting and even the 2022 general elections record of 22.92%, demonstrating a strong trend in Quebec towards early voting.
The by-election is a contest against the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and Duhaime. Despite the summer vacation, the vote in Terrebonne took place in March, and the final vote for Arthabaska-L'Érable is scheduled for Monday, August 11.
The surge in advance voting can be attributed to several factors. Convenience and accessibility play a significant role, as more voters opt for advance polls to avoid lines and scheduling conflicts on election day. Heightened voter engagement and awareness are also crucial, with political campaigns in Quebec emphasising advance voting and overall voter interest boosting early participation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact, even though 2022 was post-peak pandemic. Habitual changes in voting behavior, such as avoiding crowds and using advance voting options, persisted from prior elections affected by health concerns. Elections Quebec has expanded advance polling locations and voting methods, making early voting more accessible.
Political context is another factor. Competitive elections and high-profile campaigns often motivate voters to secure their ballot early. Arthabaska-L'Érable, known as "the land that 'grows signs'", is no exception.
Meanwhile, a tragic incident occurred on a Terrebonne construction site, where a 21-year-old worker was reportedly crushed by the bucket of a mechanical excavator. The report of the scene was from recent days.
In a separate development, nearly seven out of ten unions rejected Canada Post's latest offer last week, prolonging the conflict. These events underscore the dynamic nature of Quebec politics and the importance of civic engagement.
In the context of the Arthabaska-L'Érable by-election, increased voter participation observed during advance voting could be linked to factors such as convenience, heightened political engagement, and the lingering effects of pandemic-related voting habits. Meanwhile, political news in Quebec extends beyond the by-election to include labor disputes, with nearly seven out of ten unions rejecting Canada Post's recent offer, further emphasizing the dynamic nature of the province's politics.
