A person, corporation or trade union must register with the Clerk from May 2 to October 21, 2022 if they spend money on advertisements or other materials that support, promote or oppose a candidate in the municipal election, or question on the ballot.
How to register
In the next general election, registration to become a third-party advertiser will open May 2, and close on October 21, 2022. Third party advertisers must be registered in each municipality where they want to advertise.
Those interested in becoming a third-party advertiser must file a Notice of Registration in person or by an agent. This Notice of Registration must be certified by the Clerk before any money can be raised or spent on advertising. There is no fee required to register as a third-party advertiser.
At the time of filing, this documentation must be provided:
Filing as an individual registrant
- Completed Notice of Registration form
- Acceptable identification showing your name and qualifying Ontario address
Filing as an agent on behalf of an individual registrant
- Completed Notice of Registration form
- A copy of the individual registrant’s acceptable identification
- Acceptable identification showing your name and qualifying Ontario address
Filing as the official representative of a corporation or trade union registrant
- Completed Notice of Registration form
- A board resolution from the corporation or trade union authorizing you to act on behalf of the corporation or trade union
- Acceptable identification showing your name and qualifying Ontario address
Third Party Advertiser Criteria
Eligibility and Rules for Third Party Advertisers
The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 sets out rules for third party advertising:
- A third party advertisement is an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that has the purpose of promoting, supporting or opposing a candidate in the election, or a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot.
Individuals, corporations and trade unions who wish to conduct third party advertising in a Municipality of South Huron election must be registered with the Clerk.
- A third-party advertiser cannot spend money on their campaign, accept contributions or begin advertising until their registration is certified by the Clerk.
- Advertisements must identify the name of the registered third-party advertiser, the municipality where they are registered and contact information.
Candidates cannot register as a third-party advertiser and cannot direct a third-party advertiser.
Third Party Advertiser Guide
For each municipal general election, the Province of Ontario releases a guide with information on registering as a third-party advertiser, advertising rules, financial filing requirements, and more.