You may register if you are:
- An individual who normally lives in Ontario
- A corporation that does business in Ontario
- A trade union that holds bargaining rights in Ontario
Third Party Advertisers
A third-party advertiser is a person or organization that is not a candidate and wants to spend money on advertising that supports or opposes:
- A candidate in the by-election, or
- A question on the ballot (if applicable)
On this page:
Third Party Advertisement
A third-party advertisement is a paid message that promotes or opposes a candidate or ballot question. This can include:
- Print ads (flyers, newspapers)
- Signs
- Radio or television ads
- Online or social media advertising
If money is spent on advertising, it is regulated under the MEA.
Who can register as a third-party advertiser?
Yes.
You must register with the Clerk before spending any money on third-party advertising.
You cannot place or pay for advertisements until your registration has been approved.
- You may register starting on the first day nominations open
- The last day to register is the last day the Clerk’s Office is open before Voting Day
Registrations are not accepted outside this time period.
When am I allowed to advertise?
The MEA sets a restricted advertising period:
- Advertising may begin once registration is permitted
- Advertising must stop at the close of voting on Voting Day
Advertising outside this period is not permitted.
The Municipal and School Board Elections will take place on October 26th, 2026
All third-party advertising must end when voting closes on Voting Day.
Yes.
- Each registered third-party advertiser is given a spending limit
- The spending limit is calculated by the Clerk under the MEA
- Your spending limit will be provided when you register
You must not exceed your spending limit.
No.
Third-party advertisers must act independently. You may not:
- Coordinate advertising with a candidate or campaign
- Share expenses or advertising plans with a candidate
Do I have to file a financial report?
Yes.
All registered third-party advertisers must file a financial statement, even if no money was spent.
When is the financial statement due?
- 45 days after March 16, 2026 - April 30, 2026
- 45 days after October 26, 2026 - December 10, 2026
These dates are commonly used as the campaign period end / financial filing deadline under the Municipal Elections Act for by-elections and regular municipal elections, respectively.
Late or missing financial statements may result in penalties under the MEA.
Third-party advertisers must not:
- Spend money before registering
- Advertise outside the restricted advertising period
- Accept contributions from ineligible sources
- Exceed the spending limit
- Coordinate with candidates
How to Register
To register as a third-party advertiser:
- Complete the Third-Party Advertiser Registration Form
- Submit the form as directed by the Clerk
- Receive confirmation of registration before advertising
Forms are available from the Clerk’s Office.
Contact
If you have questions about third-party advertising, registration, or reporting requirements, please contact:
Ryan Leverton
Elections Coordinator
Phone: (519)732-2839
Email: election@brant.ca
Additional Information
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