Voters in Canada’s 2025 federal election encountered an unusual challenge in some ridings—not just choosing a candidate, but navigating record-length ballots that in one case stretched nearly a metre long.

In Ottawa’s Carleton riding, 91 names appeared on the ballot—85 of them fielded by the Longest Ballot Committee, a group promoting electoral reform by deliberately nominating dozens of candidates. 

Their campaign helped unseat longtime MP and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost by 4,315 votes to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy.

While the group declared victory in raising awareness, critics, including political scientists and election administrators, have voiced concerns over accessibility, cost, and whether the tactic erodes confidence in the voting process.

Elections Canada was forced to print nearly one-metre ballots with two columns of names and additional folding instructions. 

Ballot boxes were specially modified to accommodate the size. Counting took longer than usual, and election workers reported delays in managing and tabulating votes. 

None of the committee’s candidates received more than 57 votes.

Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault noted that while Canada’s electoral laws permit unlimited independent candidates, such actions pose logistical issues that impact all voters. 

A similar strategy is now underway in Alberta’s Battle River–Crowfoot riding, where Poilievre is seeking to re-enter Parliament following the resignation of MP Damien Kurek. 

The by-election, which may feature 60 to 80 names on the ballot, is expected to cost taxpayers nearly $2 million, according to Elections Canada estimates.

That total includes roughly $1.07 million for staffing, $490,000 for printing—including oversized ballots—and nearly $390,000 for counting, logistics, and venue costs. 

While the Longest Ballot Committee argues its actions are intended to promote democratic reform, others question whether the public cost of what some call a political stunt is justified.

Political scientist Jon Pammett noted that sustainable electoral reform typically requires years of civic engagement, not flashpoint events. “It gets people talking, yes, but it’s not clear this builds long-term support for actual change,” he said.

Though voter turnout in Carleton was an impressive 82 per cent, many electors reportedly struggled with the lengthy ballots. In some polling stations, voters required assistance in folding or navigating the two-column format.

Elections Canada has not confirmed whether legislative changes will be considered to address the issue before future elections. As it stands, there is no legal cap on the number of independent candidates that may appear on a ballot.

With dozens of names expected again, the longest ballot campaign should raise concern about the fairness and the integrity of our democratic process.