“Canada’s most-watched riding just made history. In an unprecedented electoral twist, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will share his ballot with more than 80 challengers in the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton.”
Protest Turns Political Theater in Carleton
In a federal campaign already packed with drama, one Ottawa-area riding just stole the spotlight.
Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party leader and long-time MP for Carleton, is facing a record 81 candidates in his bid for re-election. But this isn’t just a wave of last-minute hopefuls—it’s a coordinated protest against Canada’s first-past-the-post voting system.
The Longest Ballot Committee, a group known for its disruptive electoral reform stunts, is behind the move. Their strategy? Stack the ballot with dozens of Independents to spotlight flaws in the current system and pressure leaders into considering meaningful reform.
A Ballot Like No Other
This protest tactic has been used before, notably in high-profile by-elections where massive ballots caused counting delays and logistical headaches. But Carleton’s candidate count could push things into historic territory—not just for Canada, but for any modern democracy.
The sheer number of names could force Elections Canada to extend ballot counting late into the night on April 28, the official voting day.
Other Ridings? Not Quite the Same Picture
While Poilievre’s ballot rivals are approaching triple digits, Liberal Leader Mark Carney will face a much smaller field in Nepean, his first electoral run. Just four other candidates are competing in that race.
The Longest Ballot Committee had threatened to do the same in other prominent ridings, including Chrystia Freeland’s University—Rosedale seat. But time ran out, and those plans failed to materialize.
National Pulse: Leaders on the Move in the West
While ballots solidify in Ontario, the campaign trail is heating up out West:
- Poilievre is holding a press conference in Edmonton before heading to Sault Ste. Marie for an evening rally.
- NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is visiting a picket line and meeting Indigenous leaders in British Columbia.
- Carney continues his Western push with stops in Delta, New Westminster, and a rally in Calgary.
With 43 seats up for grabs in B.C., the province has become a key battleground as the third week of campaigning gets underway.
What’s at Stake in Carleton?
Beyond the numbers, Carleton has become a symbol of democratic unrest. The protest candidates aren’t running to win—they’re running to provoke change.
As Canadians prepare to vote, one question looms larger than ever:
Is it time to rethink how we vote?
Stay with Maple News Wire for complete coverage of Election 2025—from unconventional ballots to campaign trail fireworks.
