Preparing for the Preston By-election - Election Signage and Third-Party Advertising
Preparing for the Preston By-election - Election Signage and Third-Party Advertising
Media Release: Friday, April 28, 2023
Elections Nova Scotia – Elections Nova Scotia is preparing to deliver a by-election in the electoral district of Preston. The previous Member of the House of Assembly for Preston resigned effective April 1, 2023. According to the House of Assembly Act, a writ must be issued for a by-election six months from the date the vacancy occurred.
Prior to a by-election is a good time to learn about requirements for election-related signs, and other forms of election advertising.
Before an election call
The Elections Act does not restrict campaign signs and election advertising prior to the writ period. Candidates may campaign through door-to-door or public events anytime, and signs may be erected, provided they meet municipal bylaws or provincial transportation regulations.
Municipal rules may vary; please check with the municipal authority in your area if you have concerns. In the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), people with questions about the placement of election signs should call 311. Areas along highways, including some within municipalities, are managed by the Department of Public Works. People who have questions about signs along highways may call a toll-free number 1-844-696-7737 or email tir-occ@novascotia.ca.
During a by-election
Once the writ of election is issued for the by-election, the Elections Act requires an authorization statement on all signs and advertising, including print, broadcast and online. The statement must be legible and state, “Authorized by the Official Agent for (name of candidate, registered party, individual, organization).”
Third Parties must be registered during a by-election
According to the Elections Act, a third party is an individual or group that is not a candidate, registered political party, or registered electoral district association. A third-party election advertisement is a message that promotes or opposes a registered political party, the election of a certain candidate, or a candidate’s position on an issue within the election period, i.e., from the day the writ of election is issued through election day.
A third-party advertisement can be for radio, television, newspaper, the internet, or any other type of media. Campaign buttons, clothing, or other items that identify the users as supporters or opponents of any recognized party, candidate or associated issue can also be types of third-party advertising.
Once a third party spends $500 or more on election advertising, they are required by the Elections Act to register with Elections Nova Scotia within seven days.
Once the writ of election is issued in Preston, third party advertising rules require that the third party identifies itself and it has authorized the advertising. There are limits to how much money can be spent by third parties during the election.
Click here for more information about election advertising.
Elections Nova Scotia is a non-partisan and independent agency responsible for conducting provincial elections. For more information, please visit electionsnovascotia.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @electionsns.
Media Contact:
Naomi Shelton
Director, Policy and Communications
Elections Nova Scotia
902-424-3275
902-223-4871
naomi.shelton@novascotia.ca