In the News June 1

Ontario Election 2022

For Your Information

Exceptions to the Blackout Period Before the Election

News media, publishers and broadcasters must not publish, broadcast or transmit political advertising during what is called the blackout period. The blackout period is the day before election day and election day.

The blackout period does not apply to what is called genuine news reporting.

The restrictions around the blackout period do not apply to the official website of a registered political party, registered constituency association or registered candidate.

The following activities are permitted during a blackout period:

– Lawn signs and the distribution of brochures are permitted.

– Personal emails and similar personal communications online, mass or individual mailings, automated or individual telephone calls (robocalls and robotexts), and social media communications are generally not considered political advertising and are not subject to the blackout period.

– Genuine news reporting, including interviews, commentaries, or other works prepared for and published by any newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication in any medium without any charge to the registered political party are not subject to the blackout period.

Ontario Political Forum, posted June 1, 2022.