Third Party Advertiser

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Become a Third Party Advertiser

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.

2022 Third Party Advertisers’ Guide | ontario.ca

Important dates for 2022

May 2, 2022: 1st day for candidates to file a nomination paper for the office of Mayor, Councillor, or School Board Trustee. Also, 1st day for an individual, corporation, or trade union to file a notice of registration as a Third Party Advertiser.
August 19, 2022 @ 2pm: Deadline for candidates to file their nomination papers, nomination for a different office or withdrawal of nomination.
September 1, 2022: Voters’ List available to candidates
September 23, 2022: Final spending limits provided to candidates and registered third-party advertiser. Final self-contribution limit provided to candidates running for Mayor and Councilor (does not apply to School Board Trustee candidates)
October 21, 2022 @ 4:30pm: Deadline for an individual, corporation, or trade union to file a notice of registration as a third-party advertiser.
Advanced polls: Dates coming soon
October 24, 2022: Voting Day

Important dates for 2023

January 3, 2023: End of campaign period for candidates and third-party advertisers. Last day to file a Notice of Extension, Form 6, to continue campaigning to erase a deficit
March 31, 2023 @ 2pm: Deadline for candidates and third-party advertisers to file the initial financial statement
June 30, 2023: End of extended campaign period
September 29, 2023 @ 2pm: Deadline for candidates and third-party advertisers to file the supplementary financial statement (applies only to those who extended their campaign period)

Contact(s)