Advance polls open for English school board elections, but voters face barriers [Video]

Advance polls for Quebec’s English school board elections began on Sunday but voters in Montreal faced challenges, including long lines and confusing registration instructions.

With the election set for Nov. 3, candidates say community participation is more crucial than ever, especially after the Quebec government tried to abolish English school boards in 2020 with the introduction of Bill 40, citing low voter turnout.

The CAQ government sought to replace school boards with service centres run by non-elected officials, which it did with the French school boards.

However, English boards challenged the bill in court, and Quebec’s Superior Court ruled it unconstitutional, affirming the right of the province’s English-speaking minority to manage its own schools.

Despite the obstacles, many voters told CTV News they felt it was important to cast their ballots to protect the rights of the anglophone community.

At the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), two candidates are competing …