Chicoutimi Votes in Partial Election Today
The voters in the Chicoutimi riding are heading to the polls today for a crucial partial election. This election comes ahead of the general elections set for October and follows the resignation of former CAQ minister Andrée Laforest. Laforest stepped down after a failed bid for the mayoralty of Saguenay last November.
Candidates and Parties in the Chicoutimi Vote
All political parties represented in the National Assembly, alongside the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ), are fielding female candidates. The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) faces a challenging scenario as it tries to retain a riding that was previously a stronghold for the Parti Québécois (PQ) before CAQ’s victories in 2018 and 2022.
Campaign Overview
Current polls indicate a close contest primarily between the PQ and the PCQ. Representatives from these parties have ramped up their efforts in the final days of the campaign. A PCQ spokesperson revealed that former candidates and activists from across Quebec have joined local teams to engage with voters directly.
Additionally, PQ’s candidate, Marie-Karlynn Laflamme, received support from party leaders. They attended a local hockey game to interact with fans and showcase their campaign.
- Marie-Karlynn Laflamme – PQ candidate, former interim vice-rector of UQAC.
- Francis Tremblay – CAQ candidate, an employee at CIUSSS and master’s student.
- Catherine Morissette – PCQ candidate, former mayor of Saint-David-de-Falardeau.
- Tricia Murray – PLQ candidate, a political attaché.
- Jeanne Palardy – QS candidate, coordinator at a women’s shelter.
Past Election Results and Current Polling Data
The outcome of today’s election may contrast sharply with the results from the 2022 general elections, in which the CAQ won by a significant margin of 14,930 votes over the PQ.
According to a Pallas opinion survey commissioned by the PCQ on January 22, the PQ led with 29% of voter intentions. The PCQ followed with 19%, while 27% of respondents remained undecided.
| Party | Vote Intentions (%) |
|---|---|
| Parti Québécois (PQ) | 29 |
| Parti Conservateur du Québec (PCQ) | 19 |
| Parti libéral du Québec (PLQ) | 9 |
| Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) | 8 |
| Québec solidaire (QS) | 7 |
The advance voting period saw 5,343 individuals cast their ballots, reflecting an 11.67% engagement from the electorate. Polls are open from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM at 17 designated locations as specified by Élections Québec.
This partial election will serve as an important indicator of voter sentiment leading into the general elections later this year.
