Third-Party Advertisers

Third-party advertising includes any advertisement or material that supports, promotes, or opposes a candidate, or that encourages a "yes" or "no" vote on a question on the ballot. A "third party" is anyone who is not a candidate.

Third-party advertising allows people or organizations outside of a candidate’s campaign to share their views and try to influence voters to vote a certain way. A third-party advertisement can appear in any medium (broadcast, print, electronic, online, etc.) and includes things like signs, brochures, videos, and digital ads. 

Anyone wishing to advertise as a third-party must register with the Municipal Clerk, and their registration must be certified before accepting any contributions or spending any money.

You are eligible to register as a third-party advertiser if you are:

• An individual who normally lives in Ontario
• A corporation that conducts business in Ontario
• A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario

You are not eligible to register as a third-party advertiser if you are:

• A candidate running in any municipal council or school board election
• A group, association, or business that is not a corporation
• A candidate in a provincial or federal election
• A provincial or federal political party

To register, you must file a Notice of Registration (form available in April) with the Municipal Clerk. 

Registration is open from May 1 to October 25, 2026. 

Notices of Registration must be filed in person, by appointment at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Appointment booking opens April 22, 2026. Information on how to book will be posted closer to that day.

Your registration must be certified by the Clerk before you can raise or spend any money. 

Documents required at the time of filing

All registrations must provide:

• A completed Notice of Registration form (available in April)
• Acceptable identification showing your name, Ontario address, and signature

If you are filing on behalf of an individual, you must also provide:

• A copy of the individual's acceptable ID

If you are filing as the official representative of a corporation or trade union, you must also provide:

• A board resolution authorizing you to act on behalf of the corporation or trade union

Third-party advertising must be completely independent of candidates. Candidates cannot direct a third-party advertiser or coordinate with them.

If a candidate chooses to purchase or direct their own advertising, they must follow the rules for candidate advertising under the Municipal Elections Act and must clearly identify themselves on all ads. 

Third-party advertisers must:

• Keep accurate financial records of all contributions and spending
• File a Financial Statement - Form 8 with the Municipal Clerk after the election

Third-party advertisers seeking information regarding completing their financial statement should consult:

• Financial Statement Form - Form 8 (available in April 2026)
• 2026 Third Party Advertisers' Guide (available in April 2026)
• Municipal Elections Act 
• External advice (accountant, auditor, lawyer)