The mobilization of thousands of people across the province, on the occasion of the march for climate justice, could prevent students from taking part in the first day of advance voting in certain CEGEPs and universities in the province.
In addition to the days of advance polling scheduled for September 25 and 26, the Chief Electoral Officer of Quebec (DGEQ) plans to open 165 polling places on college and university campuses in the province on September 23, 27, 28 and September 29. The schedule may vary from place to place. Some post-secondary institutions will also offer this service only three days out of the four planned.
During the 2018 general election, 43,634 students exercised their right to vote at a post-secondary institution in Quebec, compared to 54,670 in 2014, according to data provided by the DGEQ to the To have to. This year, however, the pickets that will take shape in front of various CEGEPs and universities on Friday could prevent students from taking part in the first day of voting in these establishments.
It is expected that 130,000 students and many unions will be on strike in several cities in the province as part of the international mobilization which calls in particular for the end of the use of fossil fuels by 2030.
“Our voting teams will respect the picket lines and respect the decision of educational institutions that decide to close their doors for the day. The polling stations in certain establishments could therefore be temporarily closed, ”confirms by email the spokesperson for the DGEQ, Julie St-Arnaud Drolet. Students who will not be able to vote today will however be able to resume on Tuesday, she recalls.
Politicizing youth
“The goal, of course, is not to block votes. On the contrary, we think it highlights the climate emergency and the importance of tackling the social injustices that result from this crisis,” said Florence Lachapelle, of the Student Coalition for an Environmental and Social Shift. Thus, this mobilization could conversely encourage young people to vote in greater numbers this year, believes the spokesperson for Workers for Climate Justice, François Geoffroy.
“I don’t think that politicizing young people further keeps them away from polling stations,” he says. Mme Lachapelle also hopes that the multiple strikes that will take place on Friday will encourage the political parties in the running to make more commitments in the fight against climate change in anticipation of the October 3 election.
Meanwhile, at post-secondary institutions reached by The dutywe assure that the opening of the polling stations remains planned, without however being able to confirm that the students will have access to them.
“I can’t assure you because student associations don’t necessarily share their plans with me,” said Concordia University spokesperson Vannina Maestracci by email. At the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR), it is indicated that a suspension of classes will take place “in an extraordinary way” Friday, between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., “in order to allow students to participate in the Marche for the climate.
As for the polling stations of the university, it is Elections Quebec “which arranges and manages” these, recalls the person in charge of relations with the media of the UQTR, Jean-François Hinse. Thus, “if there was a suspension of the vote during the march, that would be their decision”.
At the Cégep du Vieux Montréal, the director of communications, Anne-Louise Savary, confirmed that the management of the establishment has reached an agreement with the student association “which provides that the picket line will not hinder access to middle School “. The polling station located in the entrance hall of the establishment will therefore be “functional”, she assures.