Ontario Provincial Election Advertising and Editorial Guidelines (not yet in effect until the signing of the writ)

Community newspapers are beginning to see advertising gearing up for the October 6, 2011 provincial election. However, Elections Ontario advertising guidelines do not take effect until the Lt. Governor and Chief Electoral Officer sign the election writ, expected in July. Although, there are no restrictions on political advertising appearing outside the Writ period, candidates are not allowed to pay for advertising that appears before writs are issued because they are not actually registered until writs are issued and cannot incur expenses before then.

A registered constituency association or party can authorize and pay for advertising before the writs are issued.

The Elections Ontario site has the guidelines from the 2007 provincial election still posted online, and they aren't expected to change significantly. Read them here: http://www.elections.on.ca/en-CA/Media/InformationforAdvertisingDepartments.htm


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OCNA will distribute updated information once it is released.

For additional information on the electoral process, or to book an interview with an authorized spokesperson at Elections Ontario, please contact our Media Centre at 416-212-6186 or 1-866-252-2152, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST. www.elections.on.ca.