Julie Larivée Wins Montreal East Council Seat in Dramatic Ballot Draw
Montreal East councillor elected via rare ballot box draw

A Tie Leads to a Dramatic Conclusion

In an event that underscores every vote's significance, Julie Larivée has been officially declared the city councillor for District One in Montreal East. The confirmation came only after the municipal election ended in a perfect tie, forcing officials to resort to a rare and dramatic method to determine the winner: drawing a name from a box.

The Moment of Decision

The tense situation was resolved on the morning of November 10, 2025. The electoral tie, a rare occurrence in modern politics, left the outcome entirely to chance. In a moment captured by CTV News, Larivée was seen holding her young daughter, Fleur Ange, immediately after her name was drawn from the ballot box, securing her position on council.

This unusual procedure is outlined in Quebec's election laws for breaking deadlocks when a recount confirms an exact tie. The event highlights the unpredictable nature of democracy at the most local level.

Implications for Montreal East

This unprecedented result means that Julie Larivée will now represent the citizens of Montreal East's District One. The outcome serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of civic participation. For the community, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in local governance, led by a councillor whose path to office was anything but ordinary.

The event is sure to be remembered as a historic moment in Montreal East's political history, demonstrating that in democracy, every single ballot can indeed be the deciding factor.