Third Party Advertisers

Third‑party advertising plays an important role in municipal elections by allowing individuals, corporations, and organizations to share information, support issues, or promote or oppose candidates. Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act sets out clear rules for who can register, what activities are permitted, and how advertising must be conducted.

This page outlines the requirements for becoming a registered third‑party advertiser in the Township of South Stormont.

What Is Third‑Party Advertising?

Third‑party advertising includes any paid message that supports or opposes:

• A candidate
• A registered third‑party advertiser
• A question on the ballot

Advertising can appear in print, online, on signs, or through any medium where payment is exchanged.

Unpaid personal expressions of opinion are not considered third‑party advertising.

Who Can Register as a Third‑Party Advertiser?

You may register as a third‑party advertiser if you are:

• any person who is a resident in Ontario
• a corporation carrying on business in Ontario
• a trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario

Registration is required before any third‑party advertising can begin.

Who Cannot Register?

The following are not eligible to register as third‑party advertisers:

• A candidate in the election
• A federal or provincial political party
• A group, association, or business that is not a corporation

Registering as a Third‑Party Advertiser

To register, you must file a Notice of Registration (Form 7) with the municipal clerk.

Registration opens on May 1, 2026 and closes on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 4:30 PM.

Your registration is not complete until:

• Form 7 is submitted in person
• All required information is provided
• The Clerk certifies your registration

There is no fee to register as a third‑party advertiser.

Book an Appointment to Register

Contact the Clerk’s Office either by email: vote@southstormont.ca OR by phone: 613-534-8889

What Third‑Party Advertisers Can Do

Once registered, TPAs may:

• Advertise to support or oppose a candidate
• Advertise to support or oppose a ballot question
• Raise and spend money on advertising
• Accept contributions (within provincial rules)
• Issue receipts for contributions

All advertising must include mandatory identification, such as the name of the registered third‑party advertiser and contact information.

Advertising Rules & Sign Regulations

All third‑party advertising must comply with:

• The Municipal Elections Act, 1996
• Township of South Stormont Signs By-law 2024‑066
• SDG Election Sign Letter & By-law

More Information

For full provincial rules, refer to the 2026 Third‑Party Advertisers’ Guide: 2026 third-party advertisers’ guide | ontario.ca

Resources

• Form 7 – Notice of Registration (Third‑Party Advertiser)
• Form 8 – Financial Statement – Auditor’s Report (TPA)
• SDG Election Sign Letter & By-law
• South Stormont Signs By-law 2024‑066 (excerpt)