Voting Places
The City Clerk determines what locations will be used as voting places. On voting days, canvassing of any nature is not permitted in or on these premises, including the entire building and the property on which it is located.
While a voter is in a voting place, no one shall attempt, directly or indirectly, to influence how the voter votes or shall display a candidate’s campaign material or literature.
Access to Apartments, Condominiums and Other Buildings
Candidates and their representatives are allowed access to apartments, condominiums, non-profit housing cooperatives and gated communities for the purpose of canvassing and distributing election material.
The Municipal Elections Act outlines the following rules around campaigning in these locations:
- Candidates and their representations are permitted access between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- No landlord of residential premises can prevent a tenant from displaying signs on their rented premises.
- No condominium corporation can prevent an owner or tenant from displaying signs on their unit.
- The landlord, person, condominium corporation or agent may set reasonable conditions on the size or type of sign that can be displayed. They can restrict signs from being displayed in common areas.
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (s.28), Condominium Act, 1998 (s.118) and the Co-operative Corporations Act, 1996 (s.171.24) provides candidates and their representatives access to the building for the purpose of canvassing.
The letter to landlords and property managers provides the above mentioned legislative sections. Candidate may use this letter when they are canvassing.
Use of City Symbols and Logo
Candidates are prohibited from using the City of Stratford’s logo, graphics or any other item of City intellectual property for any campaign-related purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, signs, printed and electronic publications, flyers, brochures, e-mail, website, business cards, letterheads, leaflets, posters, and promotional items.
Use of City of Stratford Resources
The Use of City Resources during an Election Period policy provides direction on how City resources can and cannot be used during municipal, school board, provincial and federal election campaigns or campaigns on a question on a ballot. The policy states that:
- City resources, including facilities, equipment, vehicles, staff time, technology, communication channels, branding, and mailing lists, must not be used for election or campaign purposes.
- Candidates, registered third party advertisers, and those acting on their behalf may not use City facilities, services, or staff to support a campaign.
- Members of Council may continue to carry out their regular elected-official duties and represent constituents. However, City-funded communications and resources cannot be used for campaign-related purposes.
- City-issued devices, email accounts, websites, social media, telephones, data and other information technology resources must not be used to create or communicate campaign materials or messages.
- Campaigning, campaign literature and campaign displays are not permitted on City property, at City-hosted meetings or events, or at designated voting places. Campaigning on public sidewalks and highways may be permitted where it complies with applicable City by-laws.
- Municipal employees must not undertake campaign activities during paid work time or use City vehicles, technology, uniforms or other City resources for campaign purposes. Employees may participate in political activities on their own time, provided there is no actual or perceived conflict with their City duties.
This policy does not apply to library facilities. Candidates should contact the Stratford Public Library directly for booking availability.
