TORONTO, March 28, 2006 – Elections Ontario would like to remind media of important provisions and regulations for election day.
1. Advertising Blackout
Under section 37 of the Election Finances Act, there may be no political advertising during the blackout period. This period begins Wednesday, March 29, the day before election day, and extends to election day on Thursday, March 30.
During this time, no party, constituency association or candidate, and no person, corporation or trade union, whether acting with or without the party’s, association’s or candidate’s consent, shall arrange for or consent to political advertising that appears during the blackout period.
In addition, no broadcaster or publisher shall allow political advertising to appear during the blackout period. This ban applies to all media, including the Internet.
It should be noted that the blackout period does not apply to genuine news reporting.
2. Limits for still and video photography
Media are also reminded that filming is not permitted in a provincial polling place. Media must film from outside the voting location and not from the doorway of the polling place.
An exception has been allowed by the Chief Election Officer for media who wish to obtain still or video photography of a candidate casting their ballot. Media must make prior arrangements with Elections Ontario’s Media Relations Centre to arrange for written consent to be provided for admission to a polling place. Still/video cameras are not permitted in the polling place without advance permission.
Any media admitted to the polling place for the above purpose must be aware that they are not to approach, film or photograph any other voters.
3. Close of polls and election night results
News media representatives may be in attendance at the returning office at the close of polls on election day. Media are advised to make arrangements with the local returning officer in advance.
Live election results will be available on the Elections Ontario website: www.electionsontario.on.ca. The website will detail the number of votes cast for each candidate, the cumulative totals and the number of polling places reporting. Live results on election night are unofficial.
Elections Ontario is the non-partisan agency responsible for administering provincial elections, by-elections and referenda.
Elections Ontario Media Relations:
(416) 212-6186 / 1 866 252-2152
media@electionsontario.on.ca