Third-Party Advertiser Information

This page provides information for individuals, organizations, and community groups who wish to participate in elections as third‑party advertisers.

Key dates for advertisers

Registration period opens May 1, 2026

Online voting begins October 16, 2026

Registration deadline October 23, 2026

Election Day October 26, 2026

Advertising period ends December 31, 2026

Understanding third-party advertising

A third-party advertiser is an individual, corporation, or trade union that is not a candidate and chooses to participate in a municipal election by paying for advertisements that support, promote, or oppose:

  • A candidate, or
  • A "yes" or "no" position on a ballot question

Third party advertisers operate independently from all candidates and campaigns. They are not part of a candidate’s team, cannot co‑ordinate advertising with a candidate, and must comply with specific registration, financial, and reporting requirements under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

A third-party advertiser could be:

  • A resident of Wilmot who purchases Facebook ads supporting a candidate for council.
  • A corporation placing newspaper ads opposing a “yes” vote on a ballot question.
  • A trade union printing and distributing brochures encouraging voters to support a school board trustee candidate.

You are eligible to become a third-party advertiser if you are:

  • An Ontario resident (example: a resident of Wilmot who wants to place paid ads supporting or opposing a candidate).
  • A corporation doing business in Ontario (example: a local small business owner whose corporation is registered and active in Ontario).
  • A trade union with bargaining rights in Ontario (example: a trade union representing employees that wishes to comment on school board trustee elections).

You must register as a third-party advertiser before paying for any advertisements so voters can see:

  • Who is speakin
  • Who is funding the message

Registration ensures transparency and fairness during elections by requiring advertisers to follow spending limits, maintain a campaign bank account, and file financial statements.

An individual, corporation or trade union can register to be a third-party advertiser beginning on May 1, 2026, and can file a registration until  4:30 pm on October 23, 2026.

Registration must be completed by appointment only. You can book an appointment with the Clerk by:

  • Phone: 519-634-8519, ext. 9228
  • Email

Resources

Contact

Legislative Services

60 Snyder's Road West
Baden, ON N3A 1A1
T: 519-634-8444
Toll Free: 1-800-469-5576
TTY: 1-866-620-2994
F: 519-634-5522
Email