SCC clarifies when administrative errors are “irregularities” requiring annulment of election
In Sinclair-Desgagné v. Canada (Chief Electoral Officer), 2026 SCC 31, the Supreme Court of Canada, in a 6-3 decision, annulled the 2025 federal election in the electoral district of Terrebonne, Québec, after concluding that a mail-in ballot was not counted because of a serious administrative error by Elections Canada. The majority held that an “irregularity” under s. 524(1)(b) of the Canada Elections Act includes a serious administrative mistake, even where…

