Several candidates are urging Ãlections Montréal to enhance inclusivity after posting obscure and gloomy photos of Black candidates on its website. The photos are part of a project to provide information about municipal election candidates by uploading their bios and images online.
One candidate, Carol-Ann Hoyte, expressed unease with her photo on the Ãlections Montréal website, stating that it did not accurately represent her. Transition Montréal, the party she is representing in the Côte-des-Neiges district, originally planned to use professional headshots for all candidates but had to switch to black-and-white passport-style photos as per Ãlections Montréal’s requirements.
Hoyte encountered difficulties in submitting her photo, leading to poor visual quality on the website for many dark-skinned candidates. This issue was highlighted by Joseanne Cudjoe, a scholar at the University of Toronto, who pointed out that the presentation of these photos reinforces racial stereotypes.
Ãlections Montréal acknowledged the problem and mentioned ongoing efforts to address the issue, including potentially re-uploading or rescanning photos if necessary. Following discussions with CBC, adjustments have already been made to the photos of some dark-skinned candidates on the website.
Renate Betts, another candidate with Transition Montréal, commended Ãlections Montréal for attempting to modernize the election process but emphasized the importance of considering diverse representation in their initiatives.
Hoyte expressed hope for the opportunity to resubmit her photo and suggested that Ãlections Montréal provide clearer guidance on photo requirements for Black candidates in the future to rectify the oversight and promote inclusivity.