Canvassing in condos

The federal election is ramping up and political candidates and canvassers are out in full force drumming up support.

If you are wondering if they’re allowed on the condominium premises, the answer is yes. Condominium corporations are required under the Condominium Act, 1998 to allow candidates and their representative access to the building for canvassing purposes or to distribute election materials, such as political pamphlets. The Canada Elections Act states that candidates and their representatives may have access to the building between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The only exception is on Election Day, when a “blackout period” on canvassing activities occurs. The federal election is on October 21, 2019.

Elections Canada provides political candidates and their representatives with a Letter of Confirmation before they carry out canvassing activities. You may ask to see a copy of this letter before engaging a candidate or representative who has entered your condominium premises. You may also ask them for a piece of I.D. if you want to confirm with whom you’re speaking. You may also find a revising agent at your door.

Revising agents are appointed by Elections Canada to update the voter list and ensure information about residents is accurate.

As for campaign signage, you’re allowed to put up an election sign on your condo unit provided it’s a “reasonable” size and type.

According to the Elections Canada website, “Condominium corporations do not have the right to prevent condo owners from putting up election signs on the units they own. However, property owners and condominium corporations do have the right to set reasonable conditions on the size or type of election advertising that may be displayed on the premises and may prohibit signs in common areas.”

For more information, visit Elections.ca or contact your management office.