Clarington notice sets registration and bank-account rules for third-party election advertisers in 2026
People and groups who plan to pay for election-related advertising in Clarington during the 2026 municipal election “restricted period” — from May 1 to the close of voting on voting day — must register as third-party advertisers and open a dedicated campaign bank account before raising or spending any money, according to a notice from Clarington Elections dated June 18.
The requirements apply to individuals, corporations and trade unions that expect to incur expenses for advertising that promotes, supports or opposes a candidate, or takes a position on a “yes” or “no” ballot question. For anyone intending to buy ads during the restricted period, the notice sets conditions that must be met before any campaign funds can be collected or used.
Clarington Elections said the rules cover paid advertising in “any broadcast, print, electronic, or other medium.”
The notice states that “an individual, corporation, or trade union cannot raise or spend any money on third party advertisements that will appear during an election in the Municipality of Clarington until they have registered as a third-party advertiser and opened a bank account exclusively for the election campaign.”
Clarington’s notice lists three categories that are eligible to file a Notice of Registration: an individual who is normally a resident in Ontario; a corporation that carries on business in Ontario; and a trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.
It also lists categories that are not eligible to register, including: a candidate whose nomination has been filed under section 33 of the Municipal Elections Act; a federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada), or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party; a provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under Ontario’s Election Finances Act; and the Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board.
The notice was posted under Clarington Elections on the municipality’s website.