The Quebec Conservative Party, led by Premier Pierre-Joseph-Olivier Chauveau, was re-elected, defeating the Quebec Liberal Party, led by Henri-Gustave Joly de Lotbinière.

Only male British subjects (by birth or naturalisation), aged 21 and older, were eligible to vote, and only if they met a property qualification.

The 1871 election was conducted under the pre-Confederation electoral map of the former Province of Canada.

That map had set the boundaries for the sixty-five constituencies of Canada East, which became Quebec.

[9] On the nomination day, the Returning Officer held a public meeting "in the open air", at a central place in the constituency, and in a place where the public had access, such as in front of a town hall or church in the constituency.

The polls were in held in the open air, or in buildings close to the highways, with free access by the public.

The Deputy Returning Officer would record each voter's vote in the poll book.

The Conservatives were maintained in office with a strong majority, although a somewhat reduced seat count.