How to Register as a Leadership Contestant

Leadership contestants in Ontario must be registered with Elections Ontario. Registration allows a leadership contestant to receive contributions and finance political activities during the contest period.

When the post of leader of a registered party has become vacant, a person who is seeking election as leader of the registered party is required to register even if the party has not officially called the contest.

A person is deemed to be seeking election as leader of a registered party as soon as the person incurs expenses for goods or services in relation to a leadership contest or accepts contributions in relation to a leadership contest.

Before you can apply to be registered as a leadership contestant with Elections Ontario, you must:

appoint a chief financial officer (CFO)
appoint an auditor

There is no fee to register with Elections Ontario as a leadership contestant.

When you fill out forms please be sure that:

all information is accurate and complete (inaccurate information will cause delays and may be a contravene of the Election Finances Act)
information is typed or printed clearly on the form

For complete details, please see the CFO Handbook for Leadership Contestants.

Register a leadership contestant

Registration of leadership contestants starts on the first day of the leadership contest. This day is determined by the party and filed with Elections Ontario.

Once the contest has started, you can register as a leadership contestant using the following steps:

Complete and sign Form LC-1: Leadership Contestant Registration and Change Notice.
Get endorsed by your party. A political party can endorse a leadership contestant by signing the contestants LC-1 form.
Send us your completed form with endorsement.

For complete details, please see the CFO Handbook for Leadership Contestants.