Third-Party Advertising

A third-party advertisement is any message in any medium that:

• Supports or opposes a candidate, or
• Supports or opposes a “yes” or “no” answer to a question on the ballot and is not placed by a candidate or the municipality.

Examples may include:

• Printed flyers or signs
• Newspaper or radio advertisements
• Online or social media advertising
• Mail‑outs or promotional materials

The following are eligible to register as a third-party advertiser:

• An individual who is normally a resident of Ontario
• A corporation that carries on business in Ontario
• A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario

Groups, associations, or informal organizations that are not legal entities must register as an individual.

Anyone wishing to act as a third-party advertiser in the 2026 Municipal Election must register with the Clerk before spending money on advertising.

• Registration opens once the election period begins
• No third-party advertising expenses may be incurred before registration
• Registration is valid only for the current election
• Registration as a third party advertiser does not imply endorsement by the Town

Third-party advertisements may only be displayed during the election advertising period, which runs from:

• Nomination Day (August 21, 2026)
   to
• Voting Day (October 26, 2026

Advertising outside the permitted period is not allowed.

Registered third-party advertisers are subject to:

• A maximum spending limit, calculated by the Clerk
• Mandatory financial reporting requirements after Voting Day

Spending limits apply to all advertising combined and include production and placement costs.

Expressing an opinion without spending money is not considered third party advertising. Registration is required if money is spent to promote or oppose a candidate or ballot question.

All registered third-party advertisers must:

• File a Financial Statement by the prescribed deadline
• Report all contributions received and expenses incurred
• Comply with contribution limits and eligibility rules

Failure to file a financial statement by the deadline may result in penalties under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Third-party advertisers:

• Cannot coordinate advertising efforts with a candidate
• Cannot accept contributions from ineligible sources
• Cannot place advertising that contravenes municipal by‑laws (e.g., sign by‑laws)
  • Third-party advertising signage must comply with the Town’s Sign By-Laws
• Cannot use municipal resources, logos, or facilities for advertising purposes

If you are considering third party advertising or wish to register, please contact the Town of Tillsonburg Clerk’s Office.

Election staff can provide:

• Registration forms
• Spending limit information
• Key deadlines
• Clarification of requirements under the legislation