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Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, Sched.

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Municipal Elections Act, 1996

S.O. 1996, CHAPTER 32
Schedule

Historical version for the period December 20, 2006 to December 31, 2006.

Amended by: 1997, c. 3, s. 11; 1997, c. 31, s. 157; 1999, c. 6, s. 43; 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 6; 2000, c. 5, ss. 27-39; 2000, c. 25, s. 47; 2001, c. 8, s. 208; 2001, c. 32, s. 30; 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, ss. 1-35; 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table; 2002, c. 18, Sched. G, ss. 13, 14; 2004, c. 8, s. 46; 2005, c. 5, s. 46; 2006, c. 9, Sched. H, ss. 1-4; 2006, c. 11, Sched. B, s. 10; 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, s. 34; 2006, c. 32, Sched. D, s. 11; 2006, c. 33, Sched. Z. 3, s. 18.

CONTENTS

General

1.

Definitions

2.

Residence

3.

Application of Act

4.

Regular elections

5.

Voting day

6.

Four-year term

7.

Cost of election payable by local municipality

8.

Submission of by-laws and questions

8.1

Conditions re: submitting a question

8.2

Results

8.3

Implementation

9.

Language of notices and forms

9.1

Bilingual notices and forms

10.

Saturdays and holidays

Election Officials

11.

Duties of clerk

11.1

Special case

11.2

Regulations

12.

Powers of clerk

13.

Notice by clerk

14.

Original documents

15.

Deputy returning officer and other election officials

Scrutineers

16.

Scrutineers at election of candidate

Voters’ List

17.

Qualifications of electors

18.

Voting subdivisions

19.

Preliminary list

20.

Homeless persons

21.

Extracts from preliminary list

22.

Correction of errors

23.

Voters’ list

24.

Application for change re own name

25.

Application for removal of another’s name

26.

Clerk’s decision final

27.

Interim list of changes

28.

Voters’ list

Candidates

29.

Who may be nominated

30.

Employee of municipality or local board

31.

Nomination day

32.

Notice

33.

Filing of nomination

33.1

Notice of penalties

34.

Refund

35.

Examination of nominations

36.

Withdrawal of nominations

37.

Acclamations

38.

Appointment to fill vacancy on school board

39.

Death of candidate

Registration for Municipal Question

39.1

Notice of registration

Before Voting Day

40.

Notice of election information

41.

Ballots

42.

By-laws re voting and vote-counting equipment, alternative voting methods

43.

By-law re advance votes

44.

Appointment of voting proxy

45.

Number and location of voting places

Voting Procedure

46.

Hours of voting, location

47.

Who may remain in voting place

48.

Prohibition

49.

Secrecy

50.

Elector’s absence from work

51.

Elector’s right to vote

52.

Voting procedure

53.

Emergency

Counting of Votes

54.

Counting of votes

55.

Delivery of statement and ballot box to clerk

Recounts

56.

Recount, tied vote

57.

Recount for municipality, local board or Minister

58.

Application for order for recount

59.

Inclusion of related recount

60.

Manner of doing recount

61.

Who may be present at recount, election to office

62.

Duty of clerk

63.

Application for judicial recount

64.

Right to sit pending final disposition

By-elections

65.

By-elections

Election Campaign Finances

66.

Contributions

67.

Expenses

68.

Election campaign period

69.

Duties of candidate

70.

Contributions only after nomination

70.1

Contributions re City of Toronto

71.

Maximum, each candidate

72.

Associated corporations

73.

Restrictions re fund-raising functions

74.

Restriction: use of own money

75.

Campaign account loan

76.

Expenses

77.

Filing date, reporting period

78.

Financial statement and auditor’s report

79.

Surplus and deficit

80.

Additional penalties

81.

Compliance audit

82.

By-law re contribution rebates

82.1

Application

Controverted Elections

83.

Application

84.

Disclaimer before application

85.

Substitution of applicant

86.

Appeal

87.

Matters pending appeal

Election Records

88.

90-day retention period

Corrupt Practices and Other Offences, Penalties and Enforcement

89.

Offences

90.

Corrupt practices: certain offences committed knowingly

91.

Ineligibility, bribery or corrupt practice by candidate

92.

Election campaign finance offences

93.

Obstruction, etc.

94.

General offence

Regulations

95.

Regulations

96.

Transitional regulations, municipal restructuring

General

Definitions

1. (1) In this Act,

“by-election” means an election other than a regular election; (“élection partielle”)

“candidate” means a person who has been nominated under section 33; (“candidat”)

“certified candidate” means a candidate whose nomination has been certified under section 35; (“candidat certifié”)

“clerk” means the clerk of a municipality; (“secrétaire”)

“fund-raising function” means an event intended to raise money for a person’s election campaign; (“activité de financement”)

“local board” means a local board as defined in the Municipal Affairs Act, including a police village; (“conseil local”)

“locality” means territory without municipal organization that is deemed to be a district municipality under the Education Act; (“localité”)

“office” means an office election to which is governed by this Act; (“poste”)

“owner or tenant”, in relation to an election, means a person who is the owner or tenant shown on the assessment roll of land assessed under the Assessment Act and a non-residential tenant of land assessed under the Assessment Act, whether or not the tenant is shown on the assessment roll, but does not include an owner or tenant of land who is entitled to use the land under a time share contract unless the person is entitled to use the land,

(a) on voting day, or

(b) for a period of six weeks or more during the calendar year in which voting day of the election is held; (“propriétaire ou locataire”)

“prescribed” means prescribed by the Minister; (“prescrit”)

“qualifying address” means the address that qualifies an elector under section 17; (“adresse habilitante”)

“tenant” includes an occupant and a person in possession other than the owner; (“locataire”)

“time share contract” means a contract by which a person acquires the right to use a property for residential purposes,

(a) for a period of time each year, or other interval, and

(b) as part of a plan that provides for the use of the property to circulate among persons participating in the plan; (“contrat de multipropriété”)

“trade union” means a trade union as defined in the Labour Relations Act, 1995 or the Canada Labour Code (Canada) and includes a central, regional or district labour council in Ontario; (“syndicat”)

“voting day” means the day on which the final vote is to be taken in an election. (“jour du scrutin”) 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 1; 1997, c. 31, s. 157 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 1; 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Transition: electors of certain boards

(2) In 1997,

(a) “public school elector” includes an elector of the Conseil des écoles publiques d’Ottawa-Carleton and an elector of The Metropolitan Toronto French-language School Council; and

(b) “separate school elector” includes an elector of the Conseil des écoles catholiques de langue française de la région d’Ottawa-Carleton and an elector of the Conseil des écoles séparées catholiques de langue française de Prescott-Russell. 1997, c. 3, s. 11 (1).

Residence

2.(1)For the purposes of this Act, a person’s residence is the permanent lodging place to which, whenever absent, he or she intends to return. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 2 (1).

Rules

(2)The following rules apply in determining a person’s residence:

1. A person may only have one residence at a time.

2. The place where a person’s family resides is also his or her residence, unless he or she moves elsewhere with the intention of changing his or her permanent lodging place.

3. If a person has no other permanent lodging place, the place where he or she occupies a room or part of a room as a regular lodger or to which he or she habitually returns is his or her residence. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 2 (2).

Rules if no permanent lodging place

(3)If a person has no permanent lodging place as described in subsections (1) and (2), the following rules apply in determining his or her residence:

1. The place to which the person most frequently returned to sleep or eat during the five weeks preceding the determination is his or her residence.

2. If the person returns with equal frequency to one place to sleep and to another to eat, the place to which he or she returns to sleep is his or her residence.

3. Multiple returns to the same place during a single day, whether to eat or to sleep, shall be considered one return.

4. A person’s affidavit regarding the places to which he or she returned to eat or sleep during a given time period is conclusive, in the absence of evidence to the contrary. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 2 (3).

Application of Act

3.This Act applies to:

1. An election to an office on:

i. the council of a local municipality,

ii. the council of an upper-tier municipality, if the holder of the office is required to be elected by the electors of one or more local municipalities,

iii. a local board, if the holder of the office is required to be elected in the same manner as members of the council of a local municipality.

2. An election to obtain the assent of electors to a by-law as required or authorized by law.

3. An election to obtain the opinion of the electors on any question as required or authorized by law. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 3.

Regular elections

4. (1) A regular election to fill offices shall be held in 2006 and in every fourth year thereafter. 2006, c. 9, Sched. H, s. 1.

By-laws and questions, municipalities

(2)A vote on a by-law or question that a municipality wishes to submit to the electors shall be combined with the next regular election, unless the municipality provides, by by-law, that the vote shall be held at another time. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 4 (2).

Questions, local boards and Minister

(3)Subsection (2) applies with necessary modifications to a vote on a question that a local board or the Minister wishes to submit to the electors. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 4 (3).

Exception

(4)The vote on a question under section 53 or 54 of the Liquor Licence Act may be held at another time than the next regular election only with the approval of the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario under section 55 of that Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 4 (4).

Voting day

5.Voting day in a regular election is the second Monday in November, subject to section 10. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 5.

Four-year term

6. (1) The term of all offices to which this Act applies is four years, beginning on December 1 in the year of a regular election. 2006, c. 9, Sched. H, s. 2.

Application of subsection (1)

(2)Subsection (1) prevails over a provision in any other Act fixing the term of an office to which this Act applies. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 6 (2).

Term continues

(3)The holders of offices continue to hold office until their successors are elected and the newly elected council or local board is organized. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 6 (3).

Transition: terms following 1997 school board elections

(4)Despite subsections (1) and (3),

(a) the term of office of a member of an old board, as defined in subsection 1 (1) of the Education Act, continues until the board is dissolved by or under any Act or is merged or amalgamated with a district school board by or under any Act;

(b) the term of office of a member of a district school board who is elected in 1997 begins on January 1, 1998. 1997, c. 3, s. 11 (2); 1997, c. 31, s. 157 (2).

Same

(5)The term of office of a member of a district school board who is elected in 1997 continues and ends in accordance with subsections (1) and (3) as if the member’s term had commenced on December 1, 1997. 1997, c. 3, s. 11 (2).

Cost of election payable by local municipality

7. (1) Unless an Act specifically provides otherwise, the costs incurred by the clerk of a local municipality in conducting an election shall be paid by the local municipality. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 7 (1).

Payment on certification

(2) The local municipality shall pay the costs as soon as possible after its clerk has signed a certificate verifying the amount. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 7 (2).

Exceptions: recounts, by-elections

(3) Despite subsection (1), the local municipality shall be reimbursed for its reasonable costs in the following situations:

1. When the clerk conducts a recount in a regular election with respect to,

i. an office on a local board or upper-tier municipality,

ii. a by-law or question submitted by an upper-tier municipality, or

iii. a question submitted by a local board or the Minister.

2. When the clerk conducts a by-election for a local board or an upper-tier municipality or the Minister, or a recount in such a by-election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 7 (3).

Payment on certification

(4) The local board or upper-tier municipality or the Minister, as the case may be, shall pay the costs referred to in subsection (3) as soon as possible after receiving a certificate verifying the amount and signed by the clerk of the local municipality. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 7 (4).

(5) Repealed: 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 2.

Submission of by-laws and questions

8. (1) The council of a municipality may pass a by-law to submit to its electors,

(a) a proposed by-law requiring their assent;

(b) subject to section 8.1, a question not otherwise authorized by law but within the council’s jurisdiction;

(c) subject to section 8.1, a question, the wording of which is established by an Act or a regulation under an Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (1); 2000, c. 5, s. 27 (1).

Submission of question, local board

(2) A local board described in subparagraph iii of paragraph 1 of section 3 may pass a resolution to submit to its electors a question not otherwise authorized by law but within the local board’s jurisdiction. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (2).

(2.1) Repealed: 2000, c. 5, s. 27 (2).

Question by Minister

(3) The Minister may make an order requiring the clerk of a local municipality to submit a question to the electors of his or her municipality. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (3).

Transmission to clerk

(4) When an upper-tier municipality acts under subsection (1), its clerk shall transmit to the clerk who is responsible for conducting the election a copy of the by-law and the proposed by-law or question. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (4).

Same

(5) When a local board acts under subsection (2), its secretary shall transmit to the clerk who is responsible for conducting the election a copy of the resolution and question. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (5).

Restriction

(5.1) For the purposes of a regular election, the clerk who is responsible for conducting the election is not required to submit a by-law or question to the electors unless on or before September 1 of the election year,

(a) in the case of a question of the Minister, the order under subsection (3) is transmitted to the clerk;

(b) in the case of a by-law or question of an upper-tier municipality, subsection (4) is complied with;

(c) in the case of a question of a local board, subsection (5) is complied with; or

(d) despite the Fluoridation Act, in the case of a petition under the Fluoridation Act, the petition is transmitted to the clerk. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 3.

Deemed transmission of petition

(5.2) Despite the Fluoridation Act, if a petition under the Fluoridation Act is submitted in the election year of a regular election after September 1, the petition is deemed to have been transmitted to the clerk on February 1 of the following year. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 3.

Notice to electors

(6) The clerk who is responsible for conducting the election shall give the electors notice of by-laws and questions referred to in this section. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (6).

Cost of giving notice

(7) The upper-tier municipality or local board or the Minister, as the case may be, shall pay the local municipality’s reasonable costs of giving notice under subsection (6), as soon as possible after receiving a certificate verifying the amount and signed by the clerk of the local municipality. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (7).

Assent to by-law

(8) A by-law is assented to,

(a) in the case of a local municipality, if a majority of the votes cast in the municipality are in favour of the by-law;

(b) in the case of an upper-tier municipality, if a majority of the votes cast in all the local municipalities are in favour of the by-law. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (8).

Result of vote

(9) When the time for applying for a recount has expired without an application being made, or when any application for a recount has been finally disposed of, the clerk shall certify the result of the vote in his or her municipality to the clerk of the upper-tier municipality, the secretary of the local board or the Minister, as the case may be. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (9).

Waiting period

(10) A council shall not consider a proposed by-law to which the electors’ assent has been obtained until the 14th day after the result of the vote is certified. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 8 (10).

Conflicts

(11) In cases of conflict, the Act or regulation establishing the wording of a question under clause (1) (c) or the Act authorizing the regulation establishing the wording of the question prevails over this Act or a regulation under this Act. 2000, c. 5, s. 27 (3).

Conditions re: submitting a question

8.1(1)A by-law to submit a question to the electors under clause 8 (1) (b) or (c),

(a) shall be passed at least 180 days before voting day in the election at which it is intended to submit the question to the electors;

(b) cannot be amended after the last date referred to in clause (a); and

(c) despite clause (b), can be repealed on or before nomination day and, if the election does not include an election for an office, on or before the 31st day before voting day. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Rules

(2)A question authorized by by-law under clause 8 (1) (b) shall comply with the following rules:

1. It shall concern a matter within the jurisdiction of the municipality.

2. Despite rule 1, it shall not concern a matter which has been prescribed by the Minister as a matter of provincial interest.

3. It shall be clear, concise and neutral.

4. It shall be capable of being answered in the affirmative or the negative and the only permitted answers to the question are “yes” or “no”. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Notice of intent

(3)Before passing a by-law under clause 8 (1) (b) or (c), the clerk shall give at least 10 days notice of the intention to pass the by-law to the public and the Minister and hold at least one public meeting to consider the matter. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Notice of by-law

(4)Within 15 days after a municipality passes a by-law under clause 8 (1) (b) or (c), the clerk shall give notice of the passage of the by-law to the public and the Minister. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Contents

(5)A notice under subsections (3) and (4) shall include,

(a) the wording of the question;

(b) in the case of a by-law under clause 8 (1) (b), a clear, concise and neutral description of the consequences of the question if it is approved and the consequences if it is rejected with the special majority under section 8.2, including an estimate of the costs, if any, that the municipality may incur in implementing the results of the question; and

(c) in the case of a by-law under clause 8 (1) (b), a description of the right to appeal under subsection (6) including, in the case of a notice under subsection (4), the last day for filing a notice of appeal. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Appeal

(6)Within 20 days after the clerk gives notice of the passage of a by-law under clause 8 (1) (b), the Minister or any other person or entity may appeal to the Chief Election Officer of the Province of Ontario on the grounds the question does not comply with paragraph 3 or 4 of subsection (2) by filing with the clerk a notice of appeal setting out the objections and the reasons in support of the objections. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Notices to be forwarded

(7)The clerk shall, within 15 days after the last day for filing a notice of appeal under subsection (6), forward any notices of appeal received to the Chief Election Officer. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Other information

(8)The clerk shall provide any other information or material to the Chief Election Officer that the Chief Election Officer requires in connection with the appeal. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Hearing

(9)The Chief Election Officer or his or her designate shall, within 60 days of receiving notices under subsection (7), hold a hearing and dismiss the appeal or allow the appeal in whole or in part. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Order

(10)If the Chief Election Officer allows the appeal in whole or in part, the Chief Election Officer may make an order amending the by-law or directing the municipality to amend the by-law in the manner ordered. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Non-application

(11)Subsections (1) and (3) to (9) do not apply to anything done pursuant to an order under subsection (10). 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Results

8.2(1)The results of a question authorized by a by-law under clause 8 (1) (b) are binding on the municipality which passed the by-law if,

(a) at least 50 per cent of the eligible electors in the municipality vote on the question; and

(b) more than 50 per cent of the votes on the question are in favour of those results. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Determination of number of votes

(2)For the purpose of clause (1) (a), the number of eligible electors shall be determined from the voters’ lists as they exist at the close of voting. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Implementation

8.3 (1) If the results of a question authorized by a by-law under clause 8 (1) (b) are binding on a municipality,

(a) if an affirmative answer received the majority of the votes, the municipality shall do everything in its power to implement the results of the question in a timely manner; and

(b) if a negative answer received the majority of the votes, the municipality shall not do anything within its jurisdiction to implement the matter which was the subject of the question for a period of four years following voting day. 2000, c. 5, s. 28; 2006, c. 9, Sched. H, s. 3 (1).

Same

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the municipality shall, between 14 and 180 days after voting day,

(a) if a by-law or resolution is required to implement the results of the question, ensure that it is prepared and placed before council or, if a series of by-laws are required to implement the results, ensure that the first of the series is prepared and placed before council;

(b) despite clause (a), if passage of a by-law or resolution required to implement the results of the question is subject to a condition precedent under a regulation or statute (such as giving notice or holding a public hearing), ensure the initial steps have been taken to comply with the condition;

(c) if administrative action to change a policy or practice is required to implement the results of the question, instruct municipal staff to take that action. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Limitation

(3) For the purpose of clause (1) (a), it is not within the jurisdiction of the municipality to eliminate or override any substantive or procedural legal right of any person or entity who is or may be affected by the implementation of the results of the question as illustrated by the following examples:

1. If a zoning change under the Planning Act is necessary to implement the results, the binding effect of the question is subject to the Planning Act and the discretion of the municipality under that Act is not constrained. If the zoning change is approved, the municipality is bound to implement the results; if it is not approved, the municipality is not bound.

2. If the results of the question require the passage of a by-law which requires notice to be given and at least one public meeting to be held to consider the matter before the by-law is passed, the binding effect of the question is subject to these procedural requirements and the discretion of the municipality to proceed following the public meeting is not constrained. If, after the public meeting, the municipality decides not to implement the results of the question, it is not required to do so. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Order

(4) A court presiding over a proceeding in respect of a recount, an offence under this Act or a proceeding under section 83 (controverted elections) may make an order temporarily staying the requirement of a municipality to implement the results of a question under this Act if satisfied that the requirement may be directly or indirectly affected by the proceeding. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Time restriction

(5) A municipality that has passed a by-law or resolution or taken any other action to implement the results of the question shall not do anything within its jurisdiction to reverse or substantially change the action for a period of four years following the day the action took effect. 2000, c. 5, s. 28; 2006, c. 9, Sched. H, s. 3 (2).

Exception

(6) Nothing in this section requires a municipality to do anything or prevents a municipality from doing anything if,

(a) a subsequent binding question authorizes such action or inaction; or

(b) the council is of the opinion, reasonably held, that there has been a material change in circumstances since the time it passed the by-law under clause 8 (1) (b) to put the binding question to the electors. 2000, c. 5, s. 28.

Language of notices and forms

9.(1)Notices, forms and other information provided under this Act shall be made available in English only, unless the council of the municipality has passed a by-law under subsection (2). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 9 (1).

By-law

(2)A municipal council may pass a by-law allowing the use of,

(a) French, in addition to English, in prescribed forms;

(b) French, other languages other than English, or both, in notices, forms (other than prescribed forms) and other information provided under this Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 9 (2).

Non-application

(3)This section does not apply with respect to notices, forms and other information provided under this Act in respect of the election of the persons described in clauses 9.1 (1) (a) and (b). 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 6 (2).

Bilingual notices and forms

9.1(1)This section applies with respect to notices, forms and other information provided under this Act in respect of the election of,

(a) members of a French-language district school board; or

(b) members of a school authority that,

(i) has established, operated or maintained a French-language instructional unit within the year before voting day, or

(ii) is subject to an agreement, resolution or order under Part XII of the Education Act that requires the school authority to establish, operate or maintain a French-language instructional unit. 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 6 (3).

Language of notices, etc.

(2)Notices, forms and other information provided under this Act with respect to the matters described in subsection (1) shall be made available in English and French and shall not be provided in any other language unless the council of the municipality has passed a by-law under subsection (3). 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 6 (3).

By-law

(3)A municipal council may pass a by-law allowing the use of languages other than English and French in notices, forms (other than prescribed forms) and other information provided under this Act with respect to the matters described in subsection (1). 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 6 (3).

Interpretation

(4)In this section, “French-language district school board”, “French-language instructional unit” and “school authority” have the same meaning as in subsection 1 (1) of the Education Act. 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 6 (3).

Saturdays and holidays

10.(1)A time limited by this Act that would otherwise expire on a Saturday or holiday shall be deemed to expire on the next day that is neither a Saturday nor a holiday. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 10 (1).

Exception

(2)When voting day is determined under subsection (1), the days fixed for other procedures in the election are unaffected. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 10 (2).

Election Officials

Duties of clerk

11. (1) The clerk of a local municipality is responsible for conducting elections within that municipality, subject to the following exceptions:

1. The clerks specified in the regulations made under the Education Act are responsible for certain aspects of the elections of members of school boards, as set out in those regulations.

2. The clerks specified in section 11.1 are responsible for certain aspects of the election of members of the council of an upper-tier municipality, as provided for in that section.

3. Repealed: 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

4. The clerks specified in subsection (5) are responsible for certain aspects of the election with respect to a question an upper-tier municipality submits to its electors under clause 8 (1) (b) or (c). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 11 (1); 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 6 (4); 2000, c. 5, s. 29 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Same

(2) Responsibility for conducting an election includes responsibility for,

(a) preparing for the election;

(b) preparing for and conducting a recount in the election; and

(c) maintaining peace and order in connection with the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 11 (2).

Locality, secretary of school board

(3) The secretary of a school board is responsible for conducting elections of members of the board who are to be elected by the electors of a locality; in that case, this Act applies as if the secretary were the clerk, the school board were the council of a local municipality and the locality were the geographic area of a local municipality. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 11 (3).

Police village

(4) If a police village is situated in more than one local municipality, the clerk of each local municipality is responsible for conducting the election within that municipality, subject to the following:

1. Nominations for office on the police village shall be filed with the clerk of the local municipality with the largest number of electors of the police village.

2. As soon as possible after the close of nominations, the clerk with whom they were filed shall provide the clerks of the other local municipalities with a list of certified candidates.

3. The clerk of each local municipality shall certify the results of the election to the clerk with whom nominations were filed.

4. The clerk with whom nominations were filed shall prepare the final summary and announce the election results. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 11 (4).

Upper-tier municipality

(5) Where an upper-tier municipality is submitting a question to its electors under clause 8 (1) (b) or (c), the clerk of the upper-tier municipality is responsible for conducting the election on the question except that the clerk of each local municipality which forms part of the upper-tier municipality for municipal purposes is responsible for recording the vote in the local municipality subject to the following:

1. Registration to incur expenses with respect to the question shall be filed with the clerk of the upper-tier municipality.

2. As soon as possible after the close of nominations or, in the case where the election does not involve an election for an office, no later than 28 days before voting day, the clerk of the upper-tier municipality shall provide the clerks of each of the local municipalities with a list of individuals, corporations or trade unions registered to incur expenses with respect to the question.

3. The clerk of each local municipality shall, subject to subsection 8 (9), certify the results of the election to the clerk of the upper-tier municipality.

4. The clerk of the upper-tier municipality shall prepare the final summary and announce the election results. 2000, c. 5, s. 29 (2).

Special case

11.1 (1) Subject to subsection (2), this section applies to an upper-tier municipality if a member of the council of the upper-tier municipality is to be elected to the council by the electors of all or part of one or more lower-tier municipalities within the upper-tier municipality. 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Exception

(2) This section and section 11.2 do not apply if the member mentioned in subsection (1) is to be elected also to the council of a lower-tier municipality within the upper-tier municipality. 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Responsibility of upper-tier clerk

(3) Subject to subsection (5), the clerk of the upper-tier municipality is the person responsible for conducting an election for the office of a member mentioned in subsection (1). 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Filing of nominations

(4) Nominations for the office shall be filed with the clerk of the upper-tier municipality who shall send the names of the candidates by registered mail within 48 hours after the closing of nominations to the clerk of each lower-tier municipality in which the election is to be held. 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Responsibility of lower-tier clerk

(5) The clerk of each lower-tier municipality in which an election is to be held for the office of a member mentioned in subsection (1) is the person responsible for conducting the election in the lower-tier municipality and shall promptly report the vote recorded to the clerk of the upper-tier municipality who shall prepare the final summary and announce the result of the vote. 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Regulations

11.2 (1) Despite this Act, the Minister may by regulation provide for those matters which, in the opinion of the Minister, are necessary or expedient to conduct the election of the members of the council of an upper-tier municipality that is mentioned in section 11.1 and the members of the councils of its lower-tier municipalities. 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Scope

(2) A regulation under subsection (1) may be general or specific in its application. 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Powers of clerk

12. (1) A clerk who is responsible for conducting an election may provide for any matter or procedure that,

(a) is not otherwise provided for in an Act or regulation; and

(b) in the clerk’s opinion, is necessary or desirable for conducting the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 12 (1).

Forms

(2) The power conferred by subsection (1) includes power to establish forms, including forms of oaths and statutory declarations, and power to require their use. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 12 (2).

Proof of identification, qualification, etc.

(3) The power conferred by subsection (1) includes power to require a person, as a condition of doing anything or having an election official do anything under this Act, to furnish proof that is satisfactory to the election official of the person’s identity or qualifications, including citizenship or residency, or of any other matter. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 12 (3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 4.

Notice by clerk

13.(1)Any notice or other information that this Act requires the clerk to give shall be given in a form and manner and at a time that the clerk considers adequate to give reasonable notice or to convey the information, as the case may be. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 13 (1).

Information about rights under Act

(2)The clerk shall provide electors, candidates and persons who are eligible to be electors with information to enable them to exercise their rights under this Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 13 (2).

Original documents

14.A document that is filed with an election official under this Act and that is required to be signed shall bear only original signatures. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 14.

Deputy returning officer and other election officials

15.(1)When it is necessary to conduct an election, the clerk shall appoint a deputy returning officer for each voting place established under section 45 and may appoint any other election officials for the election and for any recount that the clerk considers are required. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 15 (1).

Delegation

(2)The clerk may delegate to a deputy returning officer or other election official any of the clerk’s powers and duties in relation to an election, as he or she considers necessary. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 15 (2).

Clerk retains powers and duties

(3)The clerk may continue to exercise the delegated powers and duties, despite the delegation. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 15 (3).

Delegation in writing

(4)The delegation shall be in writing. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 15 (4).

Scrutineers

Scrutineers at election of candidate

16.(1)A candidate may appoint scrutineers to represent him or her during voting and at the counting of votes, including a recount. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 16 (1).

Same, at vote on by-law or question

(2)A municipality may appoint scrutineers in relation to voting on a by-law or question submitted to the electors, to attend at a voting place and at the counting of votes, including a recount. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 16 (2).

Same, question submitted by local board or Minister

(3)When a local board or the Minister has submitted a question to the electors, subsection (2) applies with necessary modifications. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 16 (3).

Scrutineers for applicant under s. 58

(4)An elector who applies for a recount under section 58 may appoint scrutineers to represent him or her at the recount. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 16 (4).

Manner of appointment

(5)The appointment of a scrutineer shall be in writing if made by a candidate or applicant or by the Minister, and by resolution if made by a municipality or local board. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 16 (5).

Proof of appointment

(6)A scrutineer shall, on request, show proof of his or her appointment to the election official in charge of a voting place or of a place where votes are being counted. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 16 (6).

Voters’ List

Qualifications of electors

17. (1) Repealed: 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 5 (1).

Qualifications

(2) A person is entitled to be an elector at an election held in a local municipality if, on voting day, he or she,

(a) resides in the local municipality or is the owner or tenant of land there, or the spouse of such owner or tenant;

(b) is a Canadian citizen;

(c) is at least 18 years old; and

(d) is not prohibited from voting under subsection (3) or otherwise by law. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 5 (2); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (1).

Persons prohibited from voting

(3) The following are prohibited from voting:

1. A person who is serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution.

2. A corporation.

3. A person acting as executor or trustee or in any other representative capacity, except as a voting proxy in accordance with section 44.

4. A person who was convicted of the corrupt practice described in subsection 90 (3), if voting day in the current election is less than five years after voting day in the election in respect of which he or she was convicted. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 17 (3); 2006, c. 9, Sched. H, s. 4.

(4) Repealed: 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 5 (3).

Voting subdivisions

18.(1)On or before each date fixed by the Minister of Finance under section 15 of the Assessment Act, the clerk of each local municipality may divide the local municipality into voting subdivisions. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 18 (1).

Notice to assessment commissioner

(2)If the clerk acts under subsection (1) he or she shall, before the fixed date, inform the assessment commissioner of the boundaries of the voting subdivisions. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 18 (2).

Note: Effective January 1, 2009, subsection (2) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 33, Schedule Z.3, subsection 18 (1) by striking out “the assessment commissioner” and substituting “the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation”. See: 2006, c. 33, Sched. Z.3, ss. 18 (1), 34 (2).

Preliminary list

19. (1) On or before July 31 in the year of a regular election, or such later deadline as the Minister may prescribe either before or after the July 31 deadline has passed, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation shall prepare a preliminary list for each local municipality and deliver it to the clerk. 2000, c. 5, s. 30; 2001, c. 8, s. 208 (1).

Voting subdivisions

(2) If the local municipality is divided into voting subdivisions, the preliminary list shall contain a preliminary list for each voting subdivision. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 19 (2).

Data

(3) The preliminary list may be based on data from any source, including the most recent enumeration under the Assessment Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 19 (3).

Contents

(4) The preliminary list shall contain,

(a) the name and address of each person who is entitled to be an elector under section 17; and

(b) any additional information the clerk needs to determine for which offices each elector is entitled to vote. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 19 (4).

Voting subdivisions, residents and non-residents

(5) If the local municipality is divided into voting subdivisions,

(a) the name of each resident elector shall be entered on the preliminary list for the voting subdivision in which he or she resides; and

(b) the name of each non-resident elector shall be entered on the preliminary list for the voting subdivision in which the elector or his or her spouse is an owner or tenant of land. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 19 (5); 1999, c. 6, s. 43 (2); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (2).

One entry only

(6)An elector’s name shall appear on the preliminary list for a local municipality only once. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 19 (6).

Homeless persons

20.The assessment commissioner is not required to enter on a preliminary list the name of a person whose residence is determined under subsection 2 (3). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 20.

Note: Effective January 1, 2009, section 20 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 33, Schedule Z.3, subsection 18 (2) by striking out “The assessment commissioner” at the beginning and substituting “The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation”. See: 2006, c. 33, Sched. Z.3, ss. 18 (2), 34 (2).

Extracts from preliminary list

21.(1)On or before August 31 in the year of a regular election, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation shall provide the secretary of every school board with extracts of the preliminary list based on the school support of electors in that election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 21 (1); 2000, c. 25, s. 47; 2001, c. 8, s. 208 (2).

Copies for candidates

(2)Each secretary shall, on request, provide a copy of the extracts to any candidate for an office on the school board concerned. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 21 (2).

No revision

(3)The extracts do not constitute official preliminary lists and are not subject to revision. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 21 (3).

Correction of errors

22.The clerk may correct any obvious error in the preliminary list and shall notify the assessment commissioner of the corrections. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 22

Note: Effective January 1, 2009, section 22 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 33, Schedule Z.3, subsection 18 (3) by striking out “the assessment commissioner” and substituting “the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation”. See: 2006, c. 33, Sched. Z.3, ss. 18 (3), 34 (2).

Voters’ list

23.(1)The preliminary list, as corrected under section 22, constitutes the voters’ list. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 23 (1).

Reproduction, revision arrangements

(2)On or before September 1 in the year of a regular election, the clerk shall,

(a) have the voters’ list reproduced; and

(b) determine where and at what time applications for revisions to the voters’ list may be made under sections 24 and 25. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 23 (2).

Copies for local boards, municipalities, Minister

(3)On written request, the clerk shall provide a copy of the voters’ list to,

(a) the secretary of a local board any of whose members are required to be elected at an election conducted by the clerk, or that has submitted a question to the electors;

(b) the clerk of the local municipality responsible for conducting the elections in any combined area for school board purposes;

(c) the clerk of an upper-tier municipality any of whose members are required to be elected at an election conducted by the clerk, or that has submitted a by-law or question to the electors; and

(d) the Minister, if he or she has submitted a question to the electors. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 23 (3).

Copies for candidates

(4)On the written request of a candidate for an office, the clerk shall provide him or her with the part of the voters’ list that contains the names of the electors who are entitled to vote for that office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 23 (4).

Copies for M.P.’s and M.P.P.’s

(5)On the written request of a member of the House of Commons or of the Assembly who represents any part of the clerk’s municipality, the clerk shall provide him or her with a copy of the voters’ list. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 23 (5).

Application for change re own name

24. (1) During the period that begins on the Tuesday after Labour Day and ends at the close of voting on voting day, a person may make an application to the clerk requesting,

(a) that the person’s name be added to or removed from the voters’ list; or

(b) that information on the voters’ list relating to the person be amended. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 24 (1).

Form and manner of application

(2) The application shall be in writing and shall be filed,

(a) in person, by the applicant or his or her agent; or

(b) by mail, by the applicant. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 24 (2).

Application approved

(3) If satisfied that the applicant is entitled to have the requested change made, the clerk shall,

(a) endorse the application to indicate approval; and

(b) return the endorsed application to the applicant or notify the applicant that the application has been approved and the voters’ list will be changed to reflect the approved application. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 24 (3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 6.

Application refused

(4) If not satisfied that the applicant is entitled to have the requested change made, the clerk shall,

(a) note the reason for refusal on the application; and

(b) return the annotated application to the applicant. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 24 (4).

Application for removal of another’s name

25.(1)During the period that begins on the Tuesday after Labour Day and ends on nomination day, a person may make an application to the clerk requesting that another person’s name be removed from the voters’ list. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 25 (1).

Form and manner of application

(2)The application shall be in writing and shall be filed,

(a) in person, by the applicant or his or her agent; or

(b) by mail, by the applicant. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 25 (2).

Copy to be provided

(2.1) The clerk shall give the person to whom the application relates a copy of the application. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 7 (1).

Procedure

(3) Upon the request of the person to whom the application relates, the clerk shall,

(a) appoint a time and place for a hearing to decide whether the person’s name should be removed from the voters’ list;

(b) give the applicant and the person to whom the application relates a notice informing them of the time and place of the hearing and of the fact that they may appear personally or by a representative; and

(c) Repealed: 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 7 (3).

(d) hold the hearing at the appointed time and place. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 25 (3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 7 (2, 3).

Exception, person deceased

(4)If satisfied that the person to whom the application relates has died, the clerk may remove the person’s name from the voter’s list without a hearing. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 25 (4).

Non-appearance of applicant

(5)If the applicant does not appear, personally or by a representative, the clerk shall dismiss the application. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 25 (5).

Non-appearance of other person

(6)If the person to whom the application relates does not appear, personally or by a representative, the clerk may hold the hearing and make a decision only if he or she is satisfied that the person,

(a) received notice of the hearing; or

(b) could not be found to be given notice. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 25 (6).

Application approved

(7)If satisfied that the name should be removed from the voters’ list, the clerk shall,

(a) endorse the application to indicate approval and note the reasons for the approval on the application;

(b) return the endorsed and annotated application to the applicant; and

(c) send the person to whom the application relates a copy of the endorsed and annotated application, together with notice of the procedure under section 24 to add a name to the voters’ list. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 25 (7); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 7 (4).

Application refused

(8) If not satisfied that the name should be removed from the voters’ list, the clerk shall,

(a) note the refusal and the reasons for it on the application;

(b) return the annotated application to the applicant; and

(c) send the person to whom the application relates a copy of the annotated application. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 25 (8); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 7 (5).

Determination after hearing

(8.1) If a hearing is held under this section with respect to an application, the clerk shall not make a determination under subsection (7) or (8) on the application until after the hearing. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 7 (6).

Exception

(9)The clerk is not required to give copies and notice under clause (7) (c) or (8) (c) if satisfied that the person cannot be found. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 25 (9).

Clerk’s decision final

26.The clerk’s decision under section 24 or 25 is final. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 26.

Interim list of changes

27.(1)Within 10 days after nomination day, the clerk shall,

(a) prepare an interim list of the changes to the voters’ list approved under sections 24 and 25 on or before nomination day; and

(b) give a copy of the interim list to each person who received a copy of the voters’ list under section 23 and to each certified candidate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 27 (1).

Final list of changes

(2)Within the time after voting day fixed by the Minister of Finance under the Assessment Act, the clerk shall,

(a) prepare a final list of the changes to the voters’ list approved under sections 24 and 25; and

(b) give a certified copy of the final list of changes to the assessment commissioner together with a copy of the approved applications under sections 24 and 25. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 27 (2).

Note: Effective January 1, 2009, clause (b) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 33, Schedule Z.3, subsection 18 (4) by striking out “the assessment commissioner” and substituting “the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation”. See: 2006, c. 33, Sched. Z.3, ss. 18 (4), 34 (2).

Voters’ list

28.(1)The clerk shall prepare and certify the voters’ list for use in each voting place established under section 45. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 28 (1).

Same

(2)In preparing the voters’ list, the clerk,

(a) shall determine which electors appear on the voters’ list for each voting place;

(b) shall remove the names that are shown in the interim list of changes as names to be removed; and

(c) may make any other changes approved under section 24. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 28 (2).

Candidates

Who may be nominated

29. (1) A person may be nominated for an office only if, as of the day the person is nominated,

(a) he or she is qualified to hold that office under the Act that creates it; and

(b) he or she is not ineligible under this or any other Act or otherwise prohibited by law to be nominated for or to hold the office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 29 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 8 (1).

Certain persons eligible to be nominated

(1.1) Despite subsection (1) and despite section 258 of the Municipal Act, 2001, section 9 of the Legislative Assembly Act and section 219 of the Education Act, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario or the Senate or House of Commons of Canada is not ineligible to be nominated for an office in an election by virtue of being a member of any of those bodies but, if the person is a member of any of those bodies as of the close of nominations on nomination day of the election, the nomination shall be rejected by the clerk under section 35. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 8 (2).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1.1) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 32, Schedule C, subsection 34 (1) by adding “section 203 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006” after “Municipal Act, 2001”. See: 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, ss. 34 (1), 71 (3).

Exclusion

(1.2) Subsection (1.1) does not apply to a member of the Executive Council of Ontario or a federal Minister of the Crown. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 8 (2).

Nomination for one office only

(2) If a person who has been nominated for an office is nominated for another office to which this Act applies, the first nomination shall be deemed to have been withdrawn at the time the second nomination is filed. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 29 (2).

Name on ballot for more than one office

(2.1) Despite the fact that the first nomination is deemed withdrawn under subsection (2), if a person’s name appears on the ballots for more than one office to which this Act applies, section 261 of the Municipal Act, 2001 applies. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 8 (3).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2.1) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 32, Schedule C, subsection 34 (2) by adding “or section 206 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as the case may be” after “Municipal Act, 2001”. See: 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, ss. 34 (2), 71 (3).

Separate nomination for each person

(3) Each person to be nominated for election to an office shall be nominated by a separate nomination. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 29 (3).

Employee of municipality or local board

30. (1) An employee of a municipality or local board is eligible to be a candidate for and to be elected as a member of the council or local board that is the employer if he or she takes an unpaid leave of absence beginning as of the day the employee is nominated and ending on voting day. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 30 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 9 (1).

Notice of leave

(2) The employee shall give the council or local board written notice, in advance, of his or her intention to take unpaid leave under subsection (1). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 30 (2).

Right to unpaid leave

(3) The employee is entitled, as of right, to take unpaid leave under subsection (1). 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 9 (2).

Vacation and overtime pay

(3.1) Despite subsection (1), an employee of a municipality or local board is entitled to be paid out any vacation pay or overtime pay owing to the employee during the period of the unpaid leave of absence and the fact that these payments may be paid on a weekly or other regular basis does not affect the unpaid leave status of the employee. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 9 (3).

Resignation

(4) If the employee is elected to the office, he or she shall be deemed to have resigned from the employment immediately before making the declaration of office referred to in subsection 232 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 or section 209 of the Education Act, as the case may be. 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 32, Schedule C, subsection 34 (3) by adding “section 186 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006” after “Municipal Act, 2001”. See: 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, ss. 34 (3), 71 (3).

Same

(5) Subsection (4) also applies to an employee of a municipality or local board who by being elected to the council of another municipality or to another local board also becomes a member of the council or local board that is the employer. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 30 (5).

Continuous service

(6) If an employee who takes a leave of absence under subsection (1) is not elected, the leave shall not be counted in determining the length of his or her service for any purpose, and the service before and after the leave shall be deemed to be continuous for all purposes. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 30 (6).

Volunteer firefighters

(7) A person shall not be considered an employee of a municipality or local board for the purposes of this section by reason only of being a volunteer firefighter as defined in the Fire Departments Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 30 (7).

Non-employees

(8) This section applies with necessary modifications to a person who is not an employee to whom paragraph 1 of subsection 258 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 applies. 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (8) is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 32, Schedule C, subsection 34 (4) and the following substituted:

Non-employees

(8) This section applies with necessary modifications to a person who is not an employee and who is described in subparagraph 1 ii or iii of subsection 258 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 or subparagraph 1 ii or iii of subsection 203 (1) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as the case may be. 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, s. 34 (4).

See: 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, ss. 34 (4), 71 (3).

Nomination day

31. Nomination day for a regular election is Friday, the 45th day before voting day. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 10.

Notice

32.The clerk shall give notice of the offices for which persons may be nominated and of the nomination procedure under this Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 32.

Filing of nomination

33. (1) A person may be nominated for an office by filing a nomination in the clerk’s office, in person or by an agent. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 33 (1).

Formal requirements

(2) The nomination shall,

(a) be in the prescribed form;

(b) be accompanied by a declaration of qualification in the prescribed form, signed by the person being nominated; and

(c) be accompanied by the prescribed nomination filing fee. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 33 (2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 11.

Exception, nomination filing fee

(3) If the person was previously nominated for an office on the same council or local board in the same election and paid the nomination filing fee at that time,

(a) clause (2) (c) does not apply; and

(b) for the purposes of section 34 (refund) and paragraph 9 of subsection 67 (2) (expenses), the fee paid at the time of the earlier nomination shall be deemed to have been paid in connection with the later one. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 33 (3).

Time for filing

(4) The nomination may be filed,

(a) on any day in the year of the regular election that is before nomination day, at a time when the clerk’s office is open; or

(b) on nomination day, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 33 (4).

Exception for additional nominations

(5) If the number of nominations filed for an office and certified under section 35 is less than the number of persons to be elected to the office, additional nominations may be filed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the Wednesday following nomination day. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 33 (5).

Notice of penalties

33.1 The clerk shall, before voting day, give to each person nominated for an office notice of the penalties under subsections 80 (2) and 92 (5) related to election campaign finances. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 12.

Refund

34.A candidate is entitled to receive a refund of the nomination filing fee if he or she,

(a) withdraws the nomination under section 36;

(b) is elected to the office; or

(c) receives more than the prescribed percentage of the votes cast in the election for the office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 34.

Examination of nominations

35.(1)The clerk shall examine each nomination that has been filed, in accordance with the following timetable:

1. All nominations filed on or before nomination day shall be examined before 4 p.m. on the Monday following nomination day.

2. Any additional nominations filed under subsection 33 (5) shall be examined before 4 p.m. on the Thursday following nomination day. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 35 (1).

Certification

(2)If satisfied that a person is qualified to be nominated and that the nomination complies with this Act, the clerk shall certify the nomination by signing the nomination paper. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 35 (2).

Rejection

(3)If not satisfied that a person is qualified to be nominated or that the nomination complies with this Act, the clerk shall reject the nomination. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 35 (3).

Notice

(4)When the clerk rejects a nomination, he or she shall, as soon as possible, give notice of the fact to the person who sought to be nominated and to all candidates for the office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 35 (4).

Clerk’s decision final

(5)The clerk’s decision to certify or reject a nomination is final. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 35 (5).

Withdrawal of nominations

36.A person may withdraw his or her nomination by filing a written withdrawal in the clerk’s office,

(a) before 5 p.m. on the Monday following nomination day, if the person was nominated on or before nomination day;

(b) before 5 p.m. on the Thursday following nomination day, if the person was nominated under subsection 33 (5). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 36.

Acclamations

37. (1) If, at 5 p.m. on the Monday following nomination day, the number of certified candidates for an office is the same as or less than the number to be elected, the clerk shall immediately declare the candidate or candidates elected by acclamation. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 37 (1).

Same, after additional nominations

(2) If additional nominations have been filed under subsection 33 (5) and if, at 5 p.m. on the Thursday following nomination day, the number of certified candidates still does not exceed the remaining number of vacancies, the clerk shall immediately declare the additional candidate or candidates elected by acclamation. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 37 (2).

Filling vacancies, school boards

(3) If an office remains vacant on a school board after the declaration of the election of candidates by acclamation under this section and the declaration of the election of candidates following the conduct of the election for offices on the board, the following rules apply:

1. If the number of candidates declared elected is insufficient to fill the majority of positions on the board, a by-election shall be held.

2. If the number of candidates declared elected is sufficient to fill the majority of positions on the board, section 38 applies.If it is not possible to fill the vacancies under that section, a by-election shall be held. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 37 (3); 1997, c. 31, s. 157 (3-5); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 13 (1).

By-election restricted to geographic area

(3.1) A by-election required under subsection (3) shall be held only in the geographic area in which the number of candidates declared elected is insufficient. 2002, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 13.

Filling vacancies, other offices

(4) If an office remains vacant on any other body after the declaration of the election of candidates by acclamation under this section and the declaration of the election of candidates following the conduct of the election for offices on the body, the following rules apply:

1. If the number of candidates declared elected is insufficient to form a quorum, a by-election shall be held.

2. If the number of candidates declared elected is sufficient to form a quorum, clause 263 (1) (a) of the Municipal Act, 2001 applies. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 37 (4); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 13 (2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 2 is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 32, Schedule C, subsection 34 (5) by adding “or clause 208 (1) (a) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as the case may be” after “Municipal Act, 2001”. See: 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, ss. 34 (5), 71 (3).

Appointment to fill vacancy on school board

38. (1) If this section applies, the candidates declared elected to the school board may appoint a person to fill the vacancy at a meeting of the members called for that purpose. 2002, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 14 (1).

Criteria

(2) A person shall be appointed under subsection (1) only if he or she,

(a) is qualified to be elected as a member of the school board; and

(b) has consented to accept the office if appointed. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 38 (2); 2002, c. 18, Sched. G, s. 14 (2).

Vote

(3) If more than one person is nominated to fill a vacancy, the secretary of the school board shall take a vote to determine which person shall fill it. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 38 (3).

Who fills vacancy

(4) A person who receives more than half the votes shall fill the vacancy. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 38 (4).

Further vote

(5) If no person receives more than half the votes, the secretary shall take another vote, excluding the person who received fewest votes in the previous vote; if two or more persons received fewest votes, the secretary shall choose the person to be excluded by lot. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 38 (5).

Death of candidate

39.If a certified candidate dies before the close of voting on voting day,

(a) if no candidate would be elected by acclamation as a result of the death, the election shall proceed as if the deceased candidate had not been nominated, and the clerk shall omit the deceased candidate’s name from the ballots or, if they have already been printed, shall cause notice of the candidate’s death to be posted in every voting place;

(b) if another candidate would be elected by acclamation as a result of the death, the election is void and a by-election shall be held to fill the office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 39.

Registration for Municipal Question

Notice of registration

39.1(1)An individual, corporation or trade union described in paragraphs 1 to 3 of subsection 70 (3) that proposes to incur expenses with respect to a question under clause 8 (1) (b) or (c) shall, in person or by an agent, file with the clerk of the municipality responsible for conducting the election with respect to the question a notice of registration in the prescribed form which shall include a declaration of qualification signed by the individual, corporation or trade union, as the case may be. 2000, c. 5, s. 31.

Timing of registration

(2)An individual, corporation or trade union that files a notice of registration is registered on the date of the filing. 2000, c. 5, s. 31.

Restriction

(3)Municipalities and the other bodies described in subsection 70 (4) cannot be registered under this section. 2000, c. 5, s. 31.

Timing

(4)A registration shall not be filed earlier than the day the by-law to submit the question to the electors is passed and not later than nomination day and if the election does not involve an election for an office, not later than 31 days before voting day. 2000, c. 5, s. 31.

Certification

(5)The clerk shall, as soon as possible, examine each notice of registration that has been filed and,

(a) if satisfied that an individual, corporation or trade union is qualified to be registered and that the notice of registration complies with this Act, certify the notice of registration by signing it; or

(b) if not satisfied that an individual, corporation or trade union is qualified to be registered or that the notice of registration complies with this Act, reject the notice of registration. 2000, c. 5, s. 31.

Notice of rejection

(6)If the clerk rejects a notice of registration, the clerk shall, as soon as possible, give notice of the fact to the individual, corporation or trade union. 2000, c. 5, s. 31.

Decision final

(7)The clerk’s decision to certify or reject a notice of registration is final. 2000, c. 5, s. 31.

Expenses

(8)Nothing in this Act prevents a municipality or the clerk of a municipality from incurring expenses in respect of the question which are required or authorized to be incurred by this Act. 2000, c. 5, s. 31.

Before Voting Day

Notice of election information

40.When an election is to be held, the clerk shall give the electors notice of,

(a) the location of the voting places;

(b) the dates and times on which the voting places will be open for voting;

(c) if section 44 (voting proxies) applies, the manner in which electors may use voting proxies; and

(d) if a by-law has been passed under clause 42 (1) (b), (alternative voting methods), the manner in which electors may use the alternative voting method. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 40.

Ballots

41.(1)When an election is to be held, the clerk shall provide ballots in the prescribed form. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 41 (1).

Rules for ballots

(2)The following rules apply to ballots:

1. Only the names of certified candidates shall appear on the ballot.

2. The candidates’ names shall appear on the ballot in alphabetical order, based on their surnames and, in the case of identical surnames, their forenames.

3. If the candidate wishes and the clerk agrees, another name that the candidate also uses may appear on the ballot instead of or in addition to his or her legal name.

4. No reference to a candidate’s occupation, degree, title, honour or decoration shall appear on the ballot.

5. If the surnames of two or more candidates for an office are identical or, in the clerk’s opinion, so similar as to cause possible confusion, every candidate’s qualifying address shall appear under his or her name.

6. A space for marking the ballot shall appear to the right of each candidate’s name or, in the case of a by-law or question, to the right of each answer.

7. All ballots for the same office or relating to the same by-law or question shall be identical or as nearly alike as possible. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 41 (2).

Variations for electors with visual impairments

(3)The clerk shall make such changes to some or all of the ballots as he or she considers necessary or desirable to allow electors with visual impairments to vote without the assistance referred to in paragraph 4 of subsection 52 (1). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 41 (3); 2001, c. 32, s. 30 (1).

Determination by clerk

(4)The clerk shall determine whether separate or composite ballots shall be used in the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 41 (4).

Separate and composite ballots

(5)A separate ballot is designed to be used for only one office, by-law or question, as the case may be; a composite ballot is one that combines the contents of two or more separate ballots. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 41 (5).

Form of composite ballot

(6)The form of a composite ballot shall conform as closely as possible to the prescribed form and to the rules set out in subsection (2). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 41 (6).

By-laws re voting and vote-counting equipment, alternative voting methods

42. (1) The council of a local municipality may pass by-laws,

(a) authorizing the use of voting and vote-counting equipment such as voting machines, voting recorders or optical scanning vote tabulators;

(b) authorizing electors to use an alternative voting method, such as voting by mail or by telephone, that does not require electors to attend at a voting place in order to vote. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 42 (1).

Application of by-law

(2) A by-law passed under subsection (1) or under a predecessor of it applies to all elections for which voting day is more than 60 days after the by-law is passed. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 42 (2).

Procedures and forms

(3) The clerk shall, in the case of a regular election, by September 1 and, in the case of a by-election, at least 30 days before the first day an elector can vote,

(a) establish procedures and forms for the use of,

(i) any voting and vote-counting equipment authorized by by-law, and

(ii) any alternative voting method authorized by by-law; and

(b) provide a copy of the procedures and forms to each candidate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 42 (3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 14.

Conflict

(4) The procedures and forms established by the clerk, if they are consistent with the principles of this Act, prevail over anything in this Act and the regulations made under it. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 42 (4).

Effect of by-law on advance votes and voting proxies

(5) When a by-law authorizing the use of an alternative voting method is in effect, sections 43 (advance votes) and 44 (voting proxies) apply only if the by-law so specifies; if the by-law specifies that section 44 applies, it may also establish additional criteria that a person must meet to be entitled to vote by proxy. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 42 (5).

By-law re advance votes

43.(1)At least 30 days before voting day, the council of a local municipality shall pass a by-law establishing,

(a) one or more dates for an advance vote; and

(b) the hours during which voting places shall be open on that date or dates. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 43 (1).

Same

(2)The by-law may establish different hours for different voting places. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 43 (2).

Duty of clerk

(3)The clerk shall hold the advance vote in accordance with the by-law. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 43 (3).

Voting places, hours of voting

(4)Section 45, except subsection (7), applies to the advance vote with necessary modifications. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 43 (4).

Sealing of ballot box, etc.

(5)On each day of the advance vote the deputy returning officer of the voting place shall,

(a) immediately after the close of voting, seal the ballot box so that ballots cannot be deposited in or withdrawn from it without breaking the seal; and

(b) as soon as possible after the close of voting,

(i) prepare a list showing the name of each person who has voted on that day and identifying his or her voting place, and

(ii) deliver to the clerk for safekeeping the ballot box, the list of names, and all other materials and documents related to the advance vote. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 43 (5).

Access to list of advance voters

(6)The clerk shall, on the request of a scrutineer or certified candidate, give him or her a copy of any list referred to in subclause (5) (b) (i). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 43 (6).

Updating of voters’ lists

(7)The clerk shall ensure that that voters’ lists for all voting places are updated to reflect voting that took place at an advance vote. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 43 (7).

Appointment of voting proxy

44. (1) A person who is entitled to be an elector in a local municipality may appoint another person who is also so entitled as his or her voting proxy, using the prescribed form. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 44 (1).

Restrictions

(2) A person shall not,

(a) appoint more than one voting proxy;

(b) act as a voting proxy for more than one other person. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 44 (2).

Spouses, etc.

(3) The restriction in clause (2) (b) does not apply if the proxy and the other person are spouses or siblings of each other, parent and child, or grandparent and grandchild. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 44 (3); 1999, c. 6, s. 43 (3); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (3).

Timing

(4) A person shall not appoint a voting proxy for an election until the time for the withdrawal of nominations has expired for all offices for which the election is being conducted and the appointment does not remain in effect after voting day of the election. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 15 (1).

Application for clerk’s certificate

(5) A person who has been appointed a voting proxy shall,

(a) complete an application in the prescribed form, including a statutory declaration that he or she is the person appointed as a voting proxy; and

(b) present the application and the appointing document to the clerk at the clerk’s office, or any place designated by the clerk, in person. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 44 (5); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 15 (2).

Time and place

(6) The application may be presented at any time when the clerk’s office or other place designated by the clerk is open; on the day of an advance vote held under section 43, the clerk’s office and any other place designated by the clerk shall be open for this purpose from noon to 5 p.m. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 15 (3).

Certificate

(7) If satisfied, after considering the application, that the person who appointed the voting proxy is entitled to do so and that the person appointed is entitled to act as the other’s voting proxy, the clerk shall apply a certificate in the prescribed form to the appointing document. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 44 (7).

Production of certified appointing document

(8) A person may vote as a voting proxy only if he or she,

(a) produces to the deputy returning officer the appointing document with the clerk’s certificate; and

(b) takes the prescribed oath. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 44 (8).

Voting in own right

(9) A person who votes as a voting proxy is also entitled to vote in his or her own right. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 44 (9).

Number and location of voting places

45. (1) The clerk shall establish the number and location of voting places for an election as he or she considers most convenient for the electors. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 45 (1).

Special needs

(2) In choosing a location for a voting place, the clerk shall have regard to the needs of electors with disabilities. 2001, c. 32, s. 30 (2).

Outside voting subdivision or municipality

(3) A voting place may be located outside its voting subdivision and outside its local municipality. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 45 (3).

Voting places in certain buildings

(4) A person or body to whom this subsection applies shall on the clerk’s request, made at least 14 days before voting day, provide a space for use as a voting place, free of any charge related to the provision of space. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 45 (4); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 16 (1).

Same

(5) The space provided shall be acceptable to the clerk and shall not be a space that is being used as a dwelling. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 45 (5).

Application of subss. (4) and (5)

(6) Subsections (4) and (5) apply to:

1. Landlords of buildings containing 100 or more dwelling units.

1.1 Condominium corporations managing buildings containing 100 or more dwelling units.

2. Municipalities.

3. School boards.

4. Provincially-funded institutions. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 45 (6); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 16 (2).

Voting places in institutions, retirement homes

(7) On voting day, a voting place shall be provided on the premises of the following:

1. An institution for the reception, treatment or vocational training of members or former members of the Canadian Forces.

2. An institution in which, on nomination day, 20 or more beds are occupied by persons who are disabled, chronically ill or infirm.

3. A retirement home in which, on nomination day, 50 or more beds are occupied. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 45 (7).

Attendance on resident

(8) The deputy returning officer for a voting place described in subsection (7) may attend on an elector who is a resident of the institution or retirement home, to allow him or her to vote. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 45 (8).

Attendance on electors with disabilities

(9) To allow an elector with a disability to vote, a deputy returning officer shall attend on the elector anywhere within the area designated as the voting place. 2001, c. 32, s. 30 (3).

Other persons

(10) The other persons described in subsection 47 (1) are entitled to accompany a deputy returning officer when he or she attends on an elector under subsection (8) or (9). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 45 (10).

Voting Procedure

Hours of voting, location

46.(1)On voting day, voting places shall be open for the electors to vote from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 46 (1).

By-law re earlier opening

(2)The council of a local municipality may pass a by-law providing that specified voting places shall be open on voting day at a specified time before 10 a.m. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 46 (2).

By-law re institutions, retirement homes

(3)Despite subsection (1), the council of a local municipality may pass a by-law with respect to a voting place described in subsection 45 (7) that is only for the use of residents of the institution or retirement home, providing for reduced opening hours. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 46 (3).

Elector in voting place at closing time

(4)An elector who is in a voting place at the time for closing under subsection (1) or under a by-law passed under subsection (3) and has not yet voted is still entitled to vote. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 46 (4).

Who may remain in voting place

47. (1) No person shall remain in a voting place when the vote is being taken or the votes are being counted except,

(a) the clerk and the deputy returning officer and any other election official appointed for the voting place;

(b) a certified candidate, other than a candidate who has been declared to be elected by acclamation;

(c) one scrutineer appointed by each person described in clause (b) for each ballot box in use at the voting place;

(d) the scrutineers appointed by a municipality in relation to a by-law or question; and

(e) the scrutineers appointed by a local board or the Minister in relation to a question. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 47 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 17.

Same

(2) The number of scrutineers who may be present under clause (1) (c) is reduced by one while the candidate who appointed them is present in the voting place. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 47 (2).

Number of scrutineers re by-law

(3) If the vote is on a by-law and scrutineers are to be appointed under subsection 16 (2),

(a) equal numbers of scrutineers shall be appointed to represent supporters and opponents of the by-law; and

(b) one scrutineer representing supporters and one representing opponents may be present for each ballot box in use at the voting place. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 47 (3).

Number of scrutineers re question

(4) If the vote is on a question and scrutineers are to be appointed under subsections 16 (2) and (3),

(a) equal numbers of scrutineers shall be appointed for each possible answer to the question; and

(b) one scrutineer for each of the possible answers may be present for each ballot box in use at the voting place. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 47 (4).

Rights of candidates and scrutineers

(5) The persons described in clauses (1) (b), (c), (d) and (e) are each entitled,

(a) to be present when materials and documents related to the election are delivered to the clerk under subclause 43 (5) (b) (ii) and clause 55 (1) (d);

(b) to enter the voting place 15 minutes before it opens and to inspect the ballot boxes and the ballots and all other papers, forms and documents relating to the vote (but not so as to delay the timely opening of the voting place);

(c) to place his or her own seal on the ballot box, immediately before the opening of the voting place, so that ballots can be deposited in the box and cannot be withdrawn without breaking the seal;

(d) to place his or her own seal on the ballot box immediately after the close of voting on each day of an advance vote under section 43, so that ballots cannot be deposited or withdrawn without breaking the seal;

(e) to examine each ballot as the votes are being counted by the deputy returning officer under section 54 (but not to touch the ballot);

(f) to object to a ballot or to the counting of votes in a ballot under subsection 54 (3);

(g) to sign the statement of the results of the election prepared by the deputy returning officer under clause 55 (1) (a); and

(h) to place his or her own seal on the ballot box after the counting of the votes, when the deputy returning officer seals the box under clause 55 (1) (c), so that ballots cannot be deposited or withdrawn without breaking the seal. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 47 (5).

Prohibition

48. (1) While an elector is in a voting place, no person shall attempt, directly or indirectly, to influence how the elector votes. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 48 (1).

No election campaign material

(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), no person shall display a candidate’s election campaign material or literature in a voting place. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 48 (2).

Interpretation

(3) For the purpose of this section,

“voting place” includes any place in the immediate vicinity of the voting place designated by the clerk. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 18.

Secrecy

49.(1)Every person who is present in a voting place or at the counting of the votes shall help to maintain the secrecy of the voting. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 49 (1).

Offences

(2)No person shall,

(a) interfere or attempt to interfere with an elector who is marking the ballot;

(b) obtain or attempt to obtain, at a voting place, information about how an elector intends to vote or has voted; or

(c) communicate any information obtained at a voting place about how an elector intends to vote or has voted. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 49 (2).

Same

(3)No elector shall show his or her marked ballot to any person so as to reveal how he or she has voted, except in connection with obtaining assistance in voting under paragraph 4 of subsection 52 (1). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 49 (3).

No requirement of disclosure

(4)No person shall, in a legal proceeding relating to an election, be required to disclose how he or she voted at the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 49 (4).

Elector’s absence from work

50.(1)An elector whose hours of employment are such that he or she would not otherwise have three consecutive hours to vote on voting day is entitled to be absent from work for as long as is necessary to allow that amount of time. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 50 (1).

Employer’s convenience

(2)The absence shall be timed to suit the employer’s convenience as much as possible. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 50 (2).

No deduction or penalty

(3)The employer shall not make a deduction from the employee’s pay or impose any other penalty for the absence from work. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 50 (3).

Elector’s right to vote

51.(1)An elector whose name appears on the voters’ list for a voting place is entitled to vote there, subject to subsection (2). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 51 (1).

Rules

(2)The following rules apply to the exercise of the right to vote:

1. An elector who is entitled to vote for offices on a municipal council or local board may vote in only one of the voting places established for the area of jurisdiction of the municipality or local board, as the case may be.

2. However, an elector who is entitled to vote in more than one of the local municipalities forming part of an upper-tier municipality is entitled to vote in one voting place established for each of the local municipalities for offices on the local councils, even if the holders of the offices would or could under certain circumstances also be members of the upper-tier council.

3. An elector is entitled to vote for as many candidates for an office as there are members to be elected to that office, but only once for each candidate.

4. An elector is entitled to vote only once on a by-law or question.

5. An elector may vote only in accordance with the information relating to him or her on the voters’ list. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 51 (2).

Voting procedure

52. (1) The following procedure shall be followed when a person enters a voting place and requests a ballot:

1. Subject to paragraph 3, the deputy returning officer shall give the person a ballot only if satisfied that the person is entitled to vote at the voting place.

2. If the deputy returning officer, a scrutineer or a certified candidate objects to the person voting, the deputy returning officer shall have the fact of the objection and by whom it was made recorded on the voters’ list next to the person’s name.

3. When an objection has been made as described in paragraph 2, the deputy returning officer shall give the person a ballot if the person takes an oath or affirmation stating that he or she is entitled to be an elector for the voting place and has not already voted in the election.

4. The deputy returning officer may permit an elector who needs assistance in voting to have such assistance as the deputy returning officer considers necessary.

5. An elector is no longer entitled to vote if, after receiving a ballot, he or she leaves the voting place without returning the ballot, or declines to vote and returns the ballot. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 52 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 19 (1).

Amendment of voters’ list

(2) On receiving an approved application under section 24 to amend the voters’ list, the deputy returning officer shall amend the voters’ list in accordance with the application. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 52 (2).

Marking ballot, etc.

(3) On receiving the ballot from the deputy returning officer, the elector shall,

(a) make a cross or other mark on the ballot, within the space designated for the marking of the ballot to the right of the name of each candidate for whom the elector wishes to vote (or, in the case of a by-law or question, to the right of the answer for which he or she wishes to vote);

(b) fold the ballot in a manner that conceals its face; and

(c) return the folded ballot to the deputy returning officer. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 52 (3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 19 (2).

Deposit in ballot box

(4)On receiving the ballot from the elector, the deputy returning officer shall immediately deposit it in the ballot box, in the full view of the elector and any persons described in clauses 47 (1) (b), (c), (d) and (e) who are in the voting place. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 52 (4).

Emergency

53.(1)The clerk may declare an emergency if he or she is of the opinion that circumstances have arisen that are likely to prevent the election being conducted in accordance with this Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 53 (1).

Arrangements

(2)On declaring an emergency, the clerk shall make such arrangements as he or she considers advisable for the conduct of the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 53 (2).

Conflict

(3)The arrangements made by the clerk, if they are consistent with the principles of this Act, prevail over anything in this Act and the regulations made under it. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 53 (3).

Time

(4)The emergency continues until the clerk declares that it has ended. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 53 (4).

No review or setting aside

(5)If made in good faith, the clerk’s declaration of emergency and arrangements shall not be reviewed or set aside on account of unreasonableness or supposed unreasonableness. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 53 (5).

Counting of Votes

Counting of votes

54.(1)Immediately after the close of voting on voting day, the deputy returning officer shall open the ballot box for his or her voting place and proceed to count,

(a) in the case of an election for office, the number of votes for each candidate;

(b) in the case of an election to obtain the assent of the electors to a by-law, the number of votes in favour of the by-law and the number opposed to it; and

(c) in the case of an election to obtain the opinion of the electors on any question, the number of votes for each possible answer to the question. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 54 (1).

Rejection of ballots

(2)The deputy returning officer shall reject from the count all ballots and votes in a ballot that do not comply with the prescribed rules. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 54 (2).

Objections

(3)A scrutineer or certified candidate may object to a ballot, or to the counting of some or all votes in a ballot, on the ground that the ballot or votes do not comply with the prescribed rules. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 54 (3).

Duty of deputy returning officer

(4)The deputy returning officer shall,

(a) decide all objections;

(b) establish a list in which the objections are summarized and individually numbered; and

(c) write the number of each objection on the back of the relevant ballot and initial the number. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 54 (4).

Delivery of statement and ballot box to clerk

55.(1)As soon as possible after counting the votes, the deputy returning officer shall,

(a) prepare a statement, in duplicate, showing the results of the election at the voting place;

(b) place the ballots and all other materials and documents related to the election, except the original statement of results, in the ballot box;

(c) seal the ballot box so that ballots cannot be deposited in or withdrawn from it without breaking the seal; and

(d) deliver the original statement of results and the ballot box to the clerk. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 55 (1).

Copies of statement

(2)A scrutineer or certified candidate is entitled to receive a copy of the statement of results from the clerk, on request. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 55 (2).

Results of election

(3)The clerk shall determine the results of the election by compiling the statements of results received from the deputy returning officers. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 55 (3).

Declaration

(4)The clerk shall, as soon as possible after voting day,

(a) declare the candidate or candidates, as the case may be, who received the highest number of votes to be elected; and

(b) declare the result of any vote on a by-law or question. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 55 (4).

Examination of documents and materials

(5)Despite subsection 88 (6) (records), the clerk may, if he or she considers it necessary in order to interpret the statement of results, examine any of the documents and materials in a ballot box in the presence of the relevant deputy returning officer. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 55 (5).

Recounts

Recount, tied vote

56. (1) The clerk shall hold a recount,

(a) of the votes for two or more candidates who receive the same number of votes and cannot both or all be declared elected to the office;

(b) of the votes on a by-law, if the votes for the affirmative and negative are equal;

(c) of the votes for two or more answers to a question, if the votes are equal. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 56 (1).

Time for recount

(2) The recount shall be held within 15 days after the clerk’s declaration of the results of the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 56 (2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 20.

Recount for municipality, local board or Minister

57. (1) Within 30 days after the clerk’s declaration of the results,

(a) the council of a municipality may pass a resolution requiring a recount of the votes cast,

(i) for all or specified candidates for an office on the council,

(ii) for all or specified answers to a question submitted by the council,

(iii) for and against a by-law submitted by the council;

(b) a local board may pass a resolution requiring a recount of the votes cast,

(i) for all or specified candidates for an office on the local board, or

(ii) for all or specified answers to a question submitted by the local board;

(c) the Minister may make an order requiring a recount of the votes cast for all or specified answers to a question submitted by him or her. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 57 (1).

Recount

(2) The clerk shall hold a recount in accordance with the resolution or order, within 15 days after it is passed or made. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 57 (2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 21.

Application for order for recount

58. (1) A person who is entitled to vote in an election and has reasonable grounds for believing the election results to be in doubt may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an order that the clerk hold a recount. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 58 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 22 (1).

Time for application

(2) The application shall be commenced within 30 days after the clerk’s declaration of the results of the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 58 (2).

Order, notice

(3) If satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for it, the court shall make an order requiring the clerk to hold a recount of the votes cast for all or specified candidates, on a by-law, or for all or specified answers to a question, and shall give the clerk a copy of the order as soon as possible. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 58 (3).

Time for recount

(4) The recount shall be held within 15 days after the day the clerk receives a copy of the order. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 58 (4); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 22 (2).

Procedures

(5) The Minister may by regulation establish procedures for applications under this section. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 58 (5).

Problems re voting and vote-counting equipment

(6) A request for a recount due to problems related to voting and vote-counting equipment may be made only under this section. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 58 (6).

Inclusion of related recount

59.The clerk may conduct, as part of a recount under section 56, 57 or 58 that relates to an office, a recount of the votes cast for another candidate for that office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 59.

Manner of doing recount

60.(1)A recount under section 56, 57 or 58 shall be conducted in the same manner as the original count, whether manually or by vote-counting equipment, subject to subsection (3). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 60 (1).

Prescribed rules

(2)A recount shall be conducted in accordance with the prescribed rules, subject to subsection (3). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 60 (2).

Order specifying different manner of doing recount

(3)If the judge who orders a recount under section 58 is of the opinion that the manner in which the original count was conducted caused or contributed to the doubtful result, he or she may, in the order, provide that the recount shall be held in a different manner and specify the manner. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 60 (3).

Who may be present at recount, election to office

61.(1)The following persons may be present at a recount under section 56, 57 or 58 that relates to an office:

1. The clerk and any other election official appointed for the recount.

2. Every certified candidate for the office.

3. The applicant, in the case of a recount ordered under section 58.

4. For each person referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3,

i. a lawyer, and

ii. one scrutineer for each recount station established by the clerk. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 61 (1).

Same, by-law or question

(2)The following persons may be present at a recount that relates to a by-law or question:

1. The clerk and any other election official appointed for the recount.

2. The scrutineers appointed by the municipality or local board or by the Minister, as the case may be.

3. The applicant, in the case of a recount ordered under section 58.

4. For the applicant referred to in paragraph 3,

i. a lawyer, and

ii. one scrutineer for each recount station established by the clerk. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 61 (2).

Number of scrutineers re by-law

(3)If the vote is on a by-law and scrutineers are to be appointed under subsection 16 (2),

(a) equal numbers of scrutineers shall be appointed to represent supporters and opponents of the by-law; and

(b) one scrutineer representing supporters and one representing opponents may be present for each recount station established by the clerk. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 61 (3).

Number of scrutineers re question

(4)If the vote is on a question and scrutineers are to be appointed under subsections 16 (2) and (3),

(a) equal numbers of scrutineers shall be appointed for each possible answer to the question; and

(b) one scrutineer for each of the possible answers may be present for each recount station established by the clerk. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 61 (4).

Examination of ballot

(5)A person referred to in paragraph 2, 3 or 4 of subsection (1) or (2) is entitled,

(a) to examine each ballot as the votes are being counted by the clerk (but not to touch the ballot); and

(b) to dispute the validity of a ballot or the counting of votes in a ballot. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 61 (5).

Determination of disputes

(6)The clerk shall determine a dispute referred to in clause (5) (b). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 61 (6).

Other persons

(7)Any other person may also be present at the recount with the clerk’s permission. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 61 (7).

Duty of clerk

62.(1)When the recount is complete, the clerk shall,

(a) announce the result of the recount; and

(b) if there are disputed ballots,

(i) announce the number of them,

(ii) announce the result that would be obtained if the disputed ballots were excluded, and

(iii) write the number of the voting place on the back of and initial each disputed ballot, place them in a separate envelope clearly marked so as to indicate its contents, and seal the envelope. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 62 (1).

Who may be present

(2)Any persons described in subsections 61 (1), (2) and (7) who are at the recount are entitled to be present while the clerk acts under subsection (1). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 62 (2).

Tied vote

(3)If the recount indicates that two or more candidates who cannot both or all be declared elected to an office have received the same number of votes, the clerk shall choose the successful candidate or candidates by lot. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 62 (3).

Declaration by clerk

(4)If no application has been made for a judicial recount under section 63 the clerk shall, on the 16th day after the recount is completed, declare the successful candidate or candidates elected or declare the result of the vote with respect to a by-law or question, as the case may be. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 62 (4).

Application for judicial recount

63. (1) A person described in subsection (2) who disputes the validity of a ballot or of the counting of votes in a ballot may, within 15 days after the clerk announces the result under section 62, apply to the Superior Court of Justice for a recount limited to the disputed ballots. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 23 (1).

Who may apply

(2) Subsection (1) applies to a certified candidate, an applicant under section 58 or, in the case of a by-law or question, the municipality or local board or the Minister, as the case may be. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (2).

Notice of application

(3) Notice of the application shall be served on the clerk and, if the application concerns an office, on each certified candidate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (3).

Summary procedure

(4) The application shall be dealt with in a summary manner, without application records or factums; the recount itself forms part of the hearing of the application. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (4).

Clerk to attend and provide materials

(5) The clerk shall attend the recount and provide the court with,

(a) a certified copy of the result of the recount conducted by the clerk;

(b) a certified copy of the result of the recount conducted by the clerk excluding the disputed ballots;

(c) the sealed envelope containing the disputed ballots from the recount conducted by the clerk; and

(d) any other documents relating to the election that are relevant to the application. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (5).

Duty of court

(6) The court shall conduct the recount by,

(a) determining the validity of the disputed ballots or of the counting of votes in any disputed ballots; and

(b) recalculating the result of the election using the determinations made under clause (a) and the certified results referred to in clause (5) (b). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (6).

Who may be present

(7) Any persons who were present at the recount under section 56, 57 or 58 are entitled to be present at the hearing and recount under this section. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (7).

Order

(8) When the recount is complete the court shall,

(a) make an order incorporating its decisions under subsection (6);

(b) announce to the persons present,

(i) the result of the recount, and

(ii) how the court dealt with the disputed ballots;

(c) place the disputed ballots in the original envelope and reseal it; and

(d) return to the clerk the material provided under subsection (5). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (8).

Copy of order

(9) The court shall give a certified copy of the order to the clerk. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (9).

Tied vote

(10) If the recount indicates that two or more candidates who cannot both or all be declared elected to an office have received the same number of votes, the clerk shall choose the successful candidate or candidates by lot. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (10).

Declaration

(11) After receiving the order, the clerk shall declare the successful candidate or candidates to be elected or declare the result of the vote with respect to a by-law or question, as the case may be. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 63 (11).

No appeal

(12) Despite section 6 of the Courts of Justice Act, an order under this section cannot be appealed. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 23 (2).

Right to sit pending final disposition

64.(1)A candidate who has been declared elected under section 55 is entitled to sit and vote on the council or local board until the recount and all applications under this Act have been finally disposed of and a different candidate has been declared elected. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 64 (1).

Decisions unaffected

(2)Decisions of a council or local board in which a candidate described in subsection (1) has participated are unaffected even if another candidate is afterwards declared elected as the result of a recount. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 64 (2).

By-elections

By-elections

65. (1) The clerk shall conduct by-elections in accordance with this section. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 65 (1).

No by-election after March 31 in year of regular election

(2) Despite any Act, no by-election shall be held to fill an office that becomes vacant after March 31 in the year of a regular election and no by-election shall be held with respect to a question or by-law after March 31 in the year of a regular election unless it is held in conjunction with a by-election for an office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 65 (2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 24 (1).

Act applies

(3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), by-elections shall be conducted as far as possible in the same way as regular elections. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 65 (3).

Rules, by-election to office

(4) If a by-election is to be held for an office, the following rules apply:

1. The clerk shall fix the date of nomination day, to be a day not more than 60 days after,

i. a court orders a by-election,

ii. the council of the clerk’s municipality passes a by-law indicating a by-election is required, or the clerk receives a copy of such a by-law from another municipality whose elections he or she is responsible for conducting,

iii. the clerk receives from a local board whose elections he or she is responsible for conducting a copy of a resolution indicating a by-election is required,

iv. the Minister makes an order under subsection 266 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 declaring all of the offices of the members to be vacant,

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subparagraph iv is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 32, Schedule C, subsection 34 (6) by adding “or subsection 211 (1) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006” after “Municipal Act, 2001”. See: 2006, c. 32, Sched. C, ss. 34 (6), 71 (3).

v. a candidate dies under the circumstances described in clause (b) of section 39, or

vi. the last acclamations are declared under section 37, if the by-election is required by subsection 37 (3) or (4).

2. Nominations may be filed during the period that begins on the date of the event described in paragraph 1 and ends at 5 p.m. on nomination day.

2.1 If the by-election for an office is being held as a result of the death of a candidate or insufficient nominations in a regular election, a person may, despite section 29, only be nominated for the office if the person meets the requirements of clauses 29 (1) (a) and (b) both on nomination day of the regular election and on the day the person is nominated for the by-election.

3. Voting day shall be 45 days after nomination day.

4. The voters’ list shall be prepared as follows:

i. the clerk shall notify the assessment commissioner that a by-election is required,

Note: Effective January 1, 2009, subparagraph i is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 33, Schedule Z.3, subsection 18 (5) by striking out “the assessment commissioner” and substituting “the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation”. See: 2006, c. 33, Sched. Z.3, ss. 18 (5), 34 (2).

ii. the assessment commissioner shall, at least 21 days before nomination day, give the clerk the preliminary list or the part of it that is required for the by-election, updated to the date he or she received the clerk’s notice,

Note: Effective January 1, 2009, subparagraph ii is repealed by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 33, Schedule Z.3, subsection 18 (6) and the following substituted:

ii. the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation shall, at least 21 days before nomination day, give the clerk the preliminary list or the part of it that is required for the by-election, updated to the date the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation received the clerk’s notice,

See: 2006, c. 33, Sched. Z.3, ss. 18 (6), 34 (2).

iii. the clerk shall make corrections to the preliminary list under section 22 as soon as possible after receiving the list, and

iv. the corrected list constitutes the voters’ list.

5. Applications to revise the voters’ list may be made under section 24 or 25 during the period that begins when the clerk has made corrections as described in subparagraph iii of paragraph 4 and ends at the close of voting on voting day.

6. Despite paragraph 7, a voting proxy appointed under section 44 may be any person entitled to be an elector if a regular election was held on the day of the by-election.

7. A person is not eligible to vote in a by-election for an office if the person could not vote for that office if a regular election was held on the day of the by-election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 65 (4); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 24 (2-7); 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

Rules, question or by-law

(5) If the by-election relates to a question or by-law, the following rules apply, subject to subsection (6):

1. The clerk shall fix the date of voting day, to be a day not more than 60 days after,

i. the council of the clerk’s municipality passes a by-law indicating a by-election is required, or the clerk receives a copy of such a by-law from another municipality whose elections he or she is responsible for conducting,

ii. the clerk receives from a local board whose elections he or she is responsible for conducting a copy of a resolution indicating a by-election is required,

iii. the clerk receives an order from the Minister indicating a by-election is required.

2. Despite rule 1, in the case of a question under section 53 or 54 of the Liquor Licence Act, the date of voting day is fixed by the council of the municipality with the approval of the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario under section 55 of that Act.

2.1 Despite rules 1 and 2, in the case of a question authorized by a by-law under clause 8 (1) (b) or (c), the date of voting day shall be a day at least 180 days after the day the by-law is passed.

3. The rules relating to the voters’ list are the same as in paragraphs 4 and 5 of subsection (4).

4. The rule set out in paragraph 6 of subsection (4) applies to voting proxies.

5. A person is not eligible to vote in a by-election relating to a question or by-law if the person could not vote with respect to that question or by-law if a regular election was held on the day of the by-election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 65 (5); 2000, c. 5, s. 32 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 24 (8, 9).

Combination

(6) If a by-election for an office and a by-election that relates to a by-law or question are to be conducted at the same time, both shall be conducted in accordance with subsection (4). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 65 (6); 2000, c. 5, s. 32 (2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 24 (10).

Election Campaign Finances

Contributions

66.(1)For the purposes of this Act, money, goods and services given to and accepted by or on behalf of a person for his or her election campaign are contributions. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 66 (1).

Additional rules

(2)Without restricting the generality of subsection (1), the following rules apply in determining whether an amount is a contribution:

1. The following amounts are contributions:

i. an amount charged for admission to a fund-raising function,

ii. if goods and services are sold at a fund-raising function for more than their market value, the difference between the amount paid and market value,

iii. if goods and services used in a person’s election campaign are purchased for less than their market value, the difference between the amount paid and market value, and

iv. any unpaid but guaranteed balance in respect of a loan under section 75.

2. The following amounts are not contributions:

i. the value of services provided by voluntary unpaid labour,

ii. the value of services provided voluntarily, under the person’s direction, by an employee whose compensation from all sources for providing them does not exceed the compensation the employee would normally receive for the period the services are provided,

iii. an amount of $10 or less that is donated at a fund-raising function,

iv. the value of political advertising provided without charge on a broadcasting undertaking as defined in section 2 of the Broadcasting Act (Canada), if,

A. it is provided in accordance with that Act and the regulations and guidelines made under it, and

B. it is provided equally to all candidates for office on the particular council or local board,

v. the amount of a loan under section 75. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 66 (2).

Value of goods and services

(3)The value of goods and services provided as a contribution is,

(a) if the contributor is in the business of supplying these goods and services, the lowest amount the contributor charges the general public in the same market area for similar goods and services provided at or about the same time;

(b) if the contributor is not in the business of supplying these goods and services, the lowest amount a business providing similar goods or services charges the general public for them in the same market area at or about the same time. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 66 (3).

No penalty

(4)No employer shall impose any penalty on an employee who refuses to provide services voluntarily as described in subparagraph ii of paragraph 2 of subsection (2). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 66 (4).

Expenses

67.(1)For the purposes of this Act, costs incurred for goods or services by or on behalf of a person wholly or partly for use in his or her election campaign are expenses. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 67 (1).

Additional rules

(2)Without restricting the generality of subsection (1), the following amounts are expenses:

1. The replacement value of goods retained by the person from any previous election and used in the current election.

2. The value of contributions of goods and services.

3. Audit and accounting fees.

4. Interest on loans under section 75.

5. The cost of holding fund-raising functions.

6. The cost of holding parties and making other expressions of appreciation after the close of voting.

7. Expenses relating to a recount.

8. Expenses relating to proceedings under section 83 (controverted elections).

9. The nomination filing fee referred to in section 33. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 67 (2).

Same

(3)The expenses described in paragraphs 7 and 8 of subsection (2) include expenses relating to recounts and proceedings under section 83 (controverted elections) from a previous election for an office on the same council or local board, if the expenses were incurred after the person’s election campaign period for that office in the previous election ended under subparagraph ii of paragraph 4 or subparagraph ii of paragraph 5 of subsection 68 (1). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 67 (3).

Election campaign period

68.(1)For the purposes of this Act, a candidate’s election campaign period for an office shall be determined in accordance with the following rules:

1. The election campaign period begins on the day he or she files a nomination for the office under section 33.

2. The election campaign period ends on December 31 in the case of a regular election and 45 days after voting day in the case of a by-election.

3. Despite rule 2, the election campaign period ends,

i. on the day the nomination is withdrawn under section 36 or deemed to be withdrawn under subsection 29 (2), or

ii. on nomination day, if the nomination is rejected under section 35.

4. Despite rules 2 and 3, if the candidate has a deficit at the time the election campaign period would otherwise end and the candidate notifies the clerk in writing on or before December 31 in the case of a regular election and 45 days after voting day in the case of a by-election, the campaign period is extended and is deemed to have run continuously from the date of nomination until the earliest of,

i. the following December 31 in the case of a regular election and the end of the 12-month period following the 45th day after voting day in the case of a by-election,

ii. the day he or she is nominated in a subsequent election for an office on the council or local board in respect of which the deficit was incurred,

iii. the day the candidate notifies the clerk in writing that he or she will not accept further contributions, and

iv. the day A equals the total of B and C, where,

A= any further contributions,

B= the expenses incurred during the extension of the election campaign period,

C= the amount of the candidate’s deficit at the start of the extension of the election campaign period.

5. If, after the election campaign period ends under rule 2, 3 or 4, the candidate incurs expenses relating to a recount or to a proceeding under section 83 (controverted elections) and the candidate notifies the clerk in writing, the campaign period is deemed to have recommenced, subject to subsection (2), and to have run continuously from the date of nomination until the earliest of,

i. the day the total of A and B equal the total of C and D, where,

A= any amount released to the candidate under subsection 79 (7),

B= any further contributions,

C= the expenses incurred after the election campaign period recommences,

D= the amount of the candidate’s deficit, if any, before the election campaign period recommenced,

ii. the day he or she is nominated in a subsequent election for an office on the council or local board in respect of which the expenses referred to in subparagraph i were incurred,

iii. the day the candidate notifies the clerk in writing that he or she will not accept further contributions, and

iv. the following December 31 in the case of a regular election and the end of the 12-month period following the 45th day after voting day in the case of a by-election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 68 (1); 2000, c. 5, s. 33; 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 25.

Same

(2)An election campaign period that has ended under subparagraph ii of paragraph 4 or subparagraph ii of paragraph 5 of subsection (1) cannot recommence under paragraph 5. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 68 (2).

Multiple and combined campaigns

(3)The following rules apply if a person is a candidate, at different times in the same election, for more than one office on the same council or local board:

1. The person’s campaigns for offices for which the election is conducted by general vote shall be deemed to be one campaign for the last office for which he or she is nominated, but the election campaign period begins on the day of the first nomination.

2. Each campaign for an office for which the election is conducted by ward is a separate campaign. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 68 (3).

Duties of candidate

69. (1) A candidate shall ensure that,

(a) one or more campaign accounts are opened at a financial institution, exclusively for the purposes of the election campaign and in the name of the candidate’s election campaign;

(b) all contributions of money are deposited into the campaign accounts;

(c) all payments for expenses, except for a nomination filing fee, are made from the campaign accounts;

(d) contributions of goods or services are valued;

(e) receipts are issued for every contribution and obtained for every expense;

(f) records are kept of,

(i) the receipts issued for every contribution,

(ii) the value of every contribution,

(iii) whether a contribution is in the form of money, goods or services, and

(iv) the contributor’s name and address;

(g) records are kept of every expense including the receipts obtained for each expense;

(h) records are kept of any claim for payment of an expense that the candidate disputes or refuses to pay;

(i) records are kept of the gross income from a fund-raising function and the gross amount of money received at a fund-raising function by donations of $10 or less;

(j) records are kept of any loan and its terms under section 75;

(j.1) the records described in clauses (f), (g), (h), (i) and (j) are retained by the candidate for the term of office of the members of the council or local board and until their successors are elected and the newly elected council or local board is organized;

(k) financial filings are made in accordance with section 78;

(l) proper direction is given to the persons who are authorized to incur expenses and accept or solicit contributions on behalf of the candidate;

(m) a contribution of money made or received in contravention of this Act is returned to the contributor as soon as possible after the candidate becomes aware of the contravention;

(n) a contribution not returned to the contributor under clause (m) is paid to the clerk with whom the candidate’s nomination was filed; and

(o) an anonymous contribution is paid to the clerk with whom the candidate’s nomination was filed. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 69 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 26.

Contributions paid to clerk

(2) Contributions paid to the clerk under clause (1) (n) or (o) become the property of the local municipality. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 69 (2).

Contributions only after nomination

70. (1) A contribution shall not be made to or accepted by or on behalf of a person unless he or she is a candidate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 70 (1).

Only during election campaign period

(2) A contribution shall not be made to or accepted by or on behalf of a candidate outside his or her election campaign period. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 70 (2).

Who may contribute

(3) Only the following may make contributions:

1. An individual who is normally resident in Ontario.

2. A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.

3. A trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario.

4. Subject to subsection (5), the candidate and his or her spouse. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 70 (3); 1999, c. 6, s. 43 (4); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (4).

Same

(4) For greater certainty, and without limiting the generality of subsection (3), the following shall not make a contribution:

1. A federal political party registered under the Canada Elections Act (Canada) or any federal constituency association or registered candidate at a federal election endorsed by that party.

2. A provincial political party, constituency association, registered candidate or leadership contestant registered under the Election Finances Act.

3. The Crown in right of Canada or Ontario, a municipality or local board. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 70 (4); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 27.

Non-resident candidate, spouse

(5) If not normally resident in Ontario, a candidate and his or her spouse may make contributions only to the candidate’s election campaign. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 70 (5); 1999, c. 6, s. 43 (5); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (5).

Who may accept contribution

(6) A contribution may be accepted only by a candidate or an individual acting under the candidate’s direction. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 70 (6).

Contributors

(7) A contribution may be accepted only from a person or entity that is entitled to make a contribution. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 70 (7).

Cash

(8) A contribution of money in cash that exceeds $25 shall not be made to or accepted by or on behalf of a candidate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 70 (8).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 11, Schedule B, section 10 by adding the following section:

Contributions re City of Toronto

70.1 (1) The City of Toronto may by by-law prohibit a corporation that carries on business in Ontario or a trade union that holds bargaining rights for employees in Ontario from making a contribution to or for any candidate for an office on city council. 2006, c. 11, Sched. B, s. 10.

Same

(2) A by-law passed under subsection (1) prevails over subsection 70 (3). 2006, c. 11, Sched. B, s. 10.

Same

(3) A by-law passed under subsection (1) applies with respect to an election if the by-law is passed before the first day on which nominations for an office on city council can be filed for the election. 2006, c. 11, Sched. B, s. 10.

Notice

(4) The clerk shall give notice of a by-law passed under subsection (1) at the same time and in the same manner as notice is given under section 32. 2006, c. 11, Sched. B, s. 10.

Restriction on contributions, candidate for mayor

(5) Despite subsections 71 (1) and (2), the maximum total contribution a contributor may make to a candidate for the office of mayor of the City of Toronto is $2,500. 2006, c. 11, Sched. B, s. 10.

See: 2006, c. 11, Sched. B, ss. 10, 14 (1).

Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is amended by the Statutes of Ontario, 2006, chapter 32, Schedule D, section 11 by adding “for the purposes of those subsections” after “subsections 71 (1) and (2)”. See: 2006, c. 32, Sched. D, ss. 11, 18 (2).

Maximum, each candidate

71. (1) A contributor shall not make contributions exceeding a total of $750 to any one candidate in an election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 71 (1).

More than one office

(2) If a person is a candidate for more than one office, a contributor’s total contributions to him or her in respect of all the offices shall not exceed $750. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 71 (2).

Exception, candidates and spouses

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to contributions made to a candidate’s own election campaign by the candidate or his or her spouse. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 71 (3); 1999, c. 6, s. 43 (6); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (6).

Associated corporations

72.For the purposes of sections 66 to 82, corporations that are associated with one another under section 256 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) shall be deemed to be a single corporation. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 72.

Restrictions re fund-raising functions

73.A fund-raising function shall not be held,

(a) for a person who is not a candidate; or

(b) outside the candidate’s election campaign period. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 73.

Restriction:use of own money

74.(1)A contributor shall not make a contribution of money that does not belong to the contributor. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 74 (1).

Exception, will

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to the personal representative of a deceased person whose will directs that a contribution be made to a named candidate out of the funds of the estate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 74 (2).

Campaign account loan

75. (1) A candidate and his or her spouse may obtain a loan from a bank or other recognized lending institution in Ontario, to be paid directly into the candidate’s campaign account. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 75 (1); 1999, c. 6, s. 43 (7); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (7).

Who may guarantee

(2) No person other than the candidate and the spouse shall guarantee the loan. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 75 (2); 1999, c. 6, s. 43 (8); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (8).

Expenses

76.(1)An expense shall not be incurred by or on behalf of a person unless he or she is a candidate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 76 (1).

Only during election campaign period

(2)An expense shall not be incurred by or on behalf of a candidate outside his or her election campaign period. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 76 (2).

Who may incur expense

(3)An expense may only be incurred by a candidate or an individual acting under the candidate’s direction. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 76 (3).

Maximum amount

(4)During the period that begins on the day a candidate is nominated under section 33 and ends on voting day, his or her expenses shall not exceed an amount calculated in accordance with the prescribed formula. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 76 (4).

Exception

(5)Subsection (4) does not apply in respect of expenses described in paragraphs 3 to 9 of subsection 67 (2). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 76 (5).

Number of electors

(6)For the purpose of subsection (4), the number of electors shall be determined from the voters’ list as it exists on nomination day, adjusted for applications under sections 24 and 25 that are approved as of that day. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 76 (6).

Duty of clerk

(7)Within 10 days after nomination day, the clerk shall,

(a) calculate the maximum permitted by subsection (4) for each office for which nominations were filed with him or her; and

(b) give a certificate of the applicable maximum to each candidate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 76 (7).

Clerk’s calculation final

(8)The clerk’s calculation is final. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 76 (8).

Filing date, reporting period

77. For the purposes of sections 66 to 82,

(a) the filing date is, in the case of a regular election, the following March 31 and in the case of a by-election, 90 days after voting day;

(b) a supplementary filing date is the date that is 60 days after the end of a supplementary reporting period; and

(c) a supplementary reporting period is, in the case of a regular election, each six-month period in the 12-month period following the year of the election and, in the case of a by-election, each six-month period in the 12-month period following the 45th day after voting day. 2000, c. 5, s. 34; 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 28.

Financial statement and auditor’s report

78. (1) On or before 5 p.m. on the filing date, a candidate shall file with the clerk with whom the nomination was filed a financial statement and auditor’s report, each in the prescribed form, reflecting the candidate’s election campaign finances,

(a) in the case of a regular election, as of December 31 in the year of the election; and

(b) in the case of a by-election, as of the 45th day after voting day. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 78 (1); 2000, c. 5, s. 35 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 29 (1).

Supplementary financial statement and auditor’s report

(2) If the candidate’s election campaign period continues during all or part of a supplementary reporting period, he or she shall, on or before 5 p.m. on the corresponding supplementary filing date, file a supplementary financial statement and auditor’s report for the supplementary reporting period. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 78 (2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 29 (2).

Supplementary report

(3) A supplementary financial statement or auditor’s report shall include all the information contained in the initial statement or report filed under subsection (1) and in any previous supplementary statement or report under subsection (2), as the case may be, updated to reflect the changes to the candidate’s election campaign finances during the supplementary reporting period. 2000, c. 5, s. 35 (2).

Auditor

(4) An auditor’s report shall be prepared by an auditor licensed under the Public Accounting Act, 2004. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 78 (4); 2004, c. 8, s. 46.

Exception re auditor’s report

(5) No auditor’s report is required if the total contributions received and total expenses incurred in the election campaign up to the end of the relevant period are each equal to or less than $10,000. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 78 (5).

Notice by clerk

(6) At least 30 days before the filing date, the clerk shall give every candidate whose nomination was filed with him or her notice by registered mail of all the filing requirements of this section. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 78 (6); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 29 (3).

Electronic filing

(7) The council of a local municipality may pass a by-law authorizing electronic filing under this section subject to such conditions and limits as are set out in the by-law. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 29 (4).

Surplus and deficit

79. (1) A candidate has a surplus if the total credits, as described in subsection (2), exceed the total debits, as described in subsection (3), and a deficit if the reverse is true. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (1).

Total credits

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the total credits are the sum of,

(a) the candidate’s contributions under section 66;

(b) any amounts equal to or less than $10 that were donated at fund-raising functions;

(c) interest earned on campaign accounts;

(d) revenue from the sale of election materials; and

(e) any amount released to the candidate under subsection (8). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (2).

Total debits

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the total debits are the sum of,

(a) the candidate’s expenses under section 67; and

(b) any deficit from the candidate’s election campaign, if any, at the previous regular election or a subsequent by-election, if that campaign related to an office on the same council or local board as the present campaign. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (3).

Surplus held in trust by clerk

(4) If the candidate’s financial statement or supplementary financial statement shows a surplus exceeding $500 and the election campaign period has ended at the time the statement is filed he or she shall, when the statement is filed, pay the total surplus to the clerk with whom the candidate’s nomination was filed, and the clerk shall hold the amount in trust for the candidate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (4).

Exception

(5) Despite subsection (4), the amount to be paid to the clerk shall be reduced by the amount of any refund under subsection (6); if the reduced amount is $500 or less, no payment need be made to the clerk under subsection (4). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (5).

Refund

(6) If a candidate who has a surplus or his or her spouse has made contributions to the election campaign, the candidate may, after the election campaign period ends but before filing the financial statement or supplementary financial statement, as the case may be, refund to himself or herself or to the spouse, as the case may be, an amount that does not exceed the lesser of,

(a) the relevant contributions;

(b) the surplus. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (6); 1999, c. 6, s. 43 (9); 2005, c. 5, s. 46 (9).

Release of amount if campaign recommences

(7) If the candidate’s election campaign period recommences under rule 5 of subsection 68 (1), the clerk shall pay the amount held in trust to the candidate, with interest. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (7).

Release of amount at next regular election

(8) If, in the next regular election or in an earlier by-election, the candidate is nominated for an office on the same council or local board, the clerk shall pay the amount held in trust to the candidate, with interest. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (8).

Amount to become property of municipality or local board

(9) If subsection (8) does not apply, the amount becomes the property of the municipality or local board, as the case may be. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (9).

By-law or resolution under s. 82

(10) Subsection (8) does not apply to an amount that has become the property of the municipality or local board by virtue of a by-law or resolution made under section 82. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 79 (10); 2000, c. 5, s. 36; 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 30.

Additional penalties

80. (1) A candidate is subject to the penalties listed in subsection (2), in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed under this Act, if,

(a) he or she fails to file a document as required under section 78 by the relevant date;

(b) a document filed under section 78 shows on its face a surplus, as described in section 79, and the candidate fails to pay the amount required by section 79 to the clerk by the relevant date; or

(c) a document filed under section 78 shows on its face that the candidate has incurred expenses exceeding what is permitted under section 76. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 80 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 31 (1).

Same

(2) The following penalties apply:

1. In the case of the defaults described in clauses (1) (b) and (c),

i. the candidate forfeits any office to which he or she was elected and the office shall be deemed to be vacant,

ii. until the next regular election has taken place, the candidate is ineligible to be elected or appointed to any office to which this Act applies.

2. In the case of the defaults described in clause (1) (a), the candidate is suspended without pay from any office to which he or she was elected until the document is filed and subparagraphs 1 i and ii apply if the candidate has not filed the document within 91 days after the last day the document was required to be filed under section 78. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 31 (2).

Notice

(3) Within 10 days after a default described in subsection (1), the clerk with whom the candidate’s nomination was filed shall send a notice of the default,

(a) to the candidate by registered mail; and

(b) to the relevant council or local board. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 31 (3).

Contents of notice

(3.1) The notice of default shall set out the penalties for the default, the day the penalties take effect if the default is not eliminated by that day, and, in the case of a default under clause (1) (a), the right to apply for an extension of the time to file under subsection (6) and the effects of the extension. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 31 (3).

Same

(4) The notice shall be deemed to have been received on the fifth day after mailing. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 80 (4).

Effective date

(5) The penalties take effect on the 12th day after the notice is mailed. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 31 (4).

Application to court

(6) The candidate may, within 91 days after the last day for filing a document under section 78, apply to the Ontario Court of Justice to extend the time for filing the document under that section and, if the court is satisfied there are mitigating circumstances justifying a later date for filing the document, the court may grant an extension for the minimum period of time necessary for the candidate to file the document. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 31 (4).

Effect of extension

(7) If an extension for filing a document is granted under subsection (6), despite subsection (2),

(a) the suspension of a candidate under subsection (2) is extended until the earlier of the day the document is filed and the end of the extension; and

(b) the penalties under subparagraphs 1 i and ii of subsection (2) for failing to file the document only apply if the candidate has not filed the document before the end of the extension. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 31 (4).

Compliance audit

81. (1) An elector who is entitled to vote in an election and believes on reasonable grounds that a candidate has contravened a provision of this Act relating to election campaign finances may apply for a compliance audit of the candidate’s election campaign finances. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (1).

Requirements

(2) The application shall be made to the clerk of the municipality or the secretary of the local board for which the candidate was nominated for office, within 90 days after the later of the filing date, the candidate’s last supplementary filing date, if any, or the end of the candidate’s extension for filing granted under subsection 80 (6), if any; it shall be in writing and shall set out the reasons for the elector’s belief. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 32 (1).

Decision

(3) Within 30 days after receiving the application, the council or local board, as the case may be, shall consider the application and decide whether it should be granted or rejected. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (3).

Delegation to committee

(3.1) A council or local board may, before voting day in an election, establish a committee and delegate its powers and functions under subsection (3) alone or under subsections (3), (4), (7), (10) and (11) with respect to applications received under subsection (2) and the council or local board, as the case may be, shall pay all costs in relation to the operation and activities of the committee. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 32 (2).

Powers and limitations

(3.2) A committee established under subsection (3.1),

(a) shall exercise the powers and duties delegated to it under that subsection with respect to all applications received under subsection (2) in relation to the election for which it is established; and

(b) shall not include employees or officers of the municipality or local board, as the case may be, or members of the council or local board, as the case may be. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 32 (2).

Appeal

(3.3) The decision of the council or local board under subsection (3) and of a committee under subsection (3) pursuant to a delegation under subsection (3.1) may be appealed to the Ontario Court of Justice within 15 days after the decision is made and the court may make any decision the council, local board or committee could have made. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 32 (2).

Appointment of auditor

(4) If it is decided to grant the application under subsection (3), the appropriate council or local board shall, by resolution, appoint an auditor to conduct a compliance audit of the candidate’s election campaign finances. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 32 (3).

Licensed auditor

(5) Only an auditor who is licensed under the Public Accounting Act, 2004 may be appointed under subsection (4). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (5); 2004, c. 8, s. 46.

Duty of auditor

(6) An auditor appointed under subsection (4) shall promptly conduct an audit of the candidate’s election campaign finances to determine whether he or she has complied with the provisions of this Act relating to election campaign finances and prepare a report outlining any apparent contravention by the candidate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (6).

Who receives report

(7) The auditor shall submit the report to,

(a) the candidate;

(b) the council or local board;

(c) the clerk with whom the candidate filed his or her nomination; and

(d) the applicant. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (7).

Powers of auditor

(8) For the purpose of the audit, the auditor,

(a) is entitled to have access, at all reasonable hours, to all relevant books, papers, documents or things of the candidate and of the municipality or local board; and

(b) has the powers of a commission under Part II of the Public Inquiries Act, which Part applies to the audit as if it were an inquiry under that Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (8).

Costs

(9) The municipality or local board shall pay the auditor’s costs of performing the audit. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (9).

Consideration of report, legal proceeding

(10) The council or local board shall consider the report within 30 days after receiving it and may commence a legal proceeding against the candidate for any apparent contravention of a provision of this Act relating to election campaign finances. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (10).

Recovery

(11) If the report indicates that there was no apparent contravention and the council or local board finds that there were no reasonable grounds for the application, the council or local board is entitled to recover the auditor’s costs from the applicant. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (11).

Immunity

(12) No action or other proceeding for damages shall be instituted against an auditor appointed under this section for any act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of the audit or for any alleged neglect or default in its execution in good faith. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 81 (12).

By-law re contribution rebates

82. (1) A municipality may, by by-law, provide for the payment of rebates to individuals, corporations or trade unions who made contributions to candidates for office on the municipal council. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 82 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 33 (1).

Same, resolution

(2) A local board may, by resolution, provide for the payment of rebates to individuals, corporations or trade unions who made contributions to candidates for office on the local board. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 82 (2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 33 (2).

Same

(3) The by-law or resolution shall establish the conditions under which an individual, corporation or trade union is entitled to a rebate. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 82 (3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 33 (3).

Same

(4) The by-law or resolution may provide for the payment of different amounts to different individuals, corporations or trade unions on any basis. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 82 (4); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 33 (4).

Same

(5) The by-law or resolution may provide that all or part of the amounts held in trust under section 79 become the property of the municipality or local board, as the case may be. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 82 (5).

Application

82.1(1)Subject to subsection (2), the following provisions apply to an individual, corporation or trade union that is registered under section 39.1: section 66, subsection 67 (1), subsection 67 (2) except paragraph 9, subsection 68 (1) except subparagraph 4 ii, subsection 68 (2), sections 69 and 70, subsections 71 (1) and (3), sections 72 to 78, subsections 79 (1) and (2), subsection 79 (3) except clause (b), subsections 79 (4) to (7), section 81 and subsections 92 (1) to (4). 2000, c. 5, s. 38.

Modifications

(2)In the provisions referred to in subsection (1),

(a) a reference to a candidate shall be read as a reference to an individual, corporation or trade union registered under section 39.1;

(b) a reference to nomination shall be read as a reference to registration under section 39.1;

(c) a reference to a person shall be read as a reference to an individual, corporation or trade union;

(d) subsubparagraph B of subparagraph 66 (2) 2 iv shall be read as follows:

B. it is provided equally to all individuals, corporations or trade unions registered under section 39.1 with respect to a particular question;

(e) paragraphs 1 and 3 of subsection 68 (1) shall be read as follows:

1. The election campaign period begins on the day the individual, corporation or trade union files a notice of registration under section 39.1.

. . . . .

3. Despite rule 2, the election campaign period ends on the day the by-law authorizing the question is repealed in accordance with clause 8.1 (1) (c) or the day the notice of registration is rejected under subsection 39.1 (5);

(f) subsection 71 (1) shall be read as follows:

(1) A contributor shall not make contributions exceeding a total of $750 to any one individual, corporation or trade union registered under section 39.1 with respect to a particular question;

(g) subsection 79 (4) shall be read as if “the clerk shall hold the amount in trust for the candidate” were replaced with “the surplus becomes the property of the municipality”; and

(h) subsection 92 (1) shall be read as if the reference to “sections 70 to 76” was a reference to sections “69 to 79”. 2000, c. 5, s. 38.

Controverted Elections

Application

83. (1) A person who is entitled to vote in an election may make an application to the Superior Court of Justice requesting that it determine,

(a) whether the election is valid;

(b) whether a person’s election to an office in the election is valid;

(c) if a person’s election to an office is not valid, whether another person was validly elected or is entitled to the office;

(d) if an election is not valid or a person’s election to an office is not valid, whether a by-election should be held. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 83 (1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 34 (1).

Time

(2) The application shall be commenced within 90 days after voting day. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 83 (2).

Summary procedure

(3) The application shall be dealt with in a summary manner, without application records or factums. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 83 (3).

Service

(3.1) The applicant shall serve a copy of the application on the clerk or secretary of the municipality or local board to which the application relates within 5 days after the day the application was made under this section. 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 34 (2).

No other avenue

(4) A proceeding to determine a matter described in clause (1) (a), (b), (c) or (d) may be commenced only under subsection (1). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 83 (4).

Compensation

(5) If the court orders that a by-election be held, it may make such order as it considers just against a person whose act or omission unlawfully affected the result of the election, for the compensation of candidates at that election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 83 (5).

Effect of procedural irregularities

(6) The court shall not determine an election to be invalid if,

(a) an irregularity described in subsection (7) occurred at the election but did not affect the result of the election; and

(b) the election was conducted in accordance with the principles of this Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 83 (6).

Same

(7) Clause (6) (a) applies to the following irregularities:

1. An irregularity on the part of the clerk or in any of the procedures before voting day.

2. Failure to have a voting place open at the appointed location and time.

3. Non-compliance with a provision of this Act or of a regulation, by-law, resolution or procedure made, passed or established under this Act, dealing with voting, counting of votes or time requirements.

4. A mistake in the use of forms, whether prescribed or not. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 83 (7).

Disclaimer before application

84.(1)A person who has been elected to an office may, within 90 days after voting day and before an application questioning his or her election is made under clause 83 (1) (b), disclaim all right to the office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 84 (1).

Manner of making disclaimer

(2)The disclaimer shall be made in writing and delivered to the clerk who conducted the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 84 (2).

Disclaimer after application

(3)A person whose election is questioned in an application under clause 83 (1) (b) may, within seven days after being served with the application, disclaim all right to the office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 84 (3).

Manner of making disclaimer

(4)The disclaimer shall be made in writing and delivered to,

(a) the court;

(b) the applicant or his or her lawyer; and

(c) the clerk who conducted the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 84 (4).

Duty of clerk

(5)When the clerk receives a disclaimer under subsection (1) or (3), he or she shall immediately communicate it to the council or to the secretary of the local board, as the case may be. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 84 (5).

Resignation

(6)The disclaimer operates as a resignation and takes effect when the clerk receives it. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 84 (6).

Effect on liability for costs

(7)The disclaimer relieves the person making it from any liability for costs in an application under subsection 83 (1) that are incurred after the court receives the disclaimer. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 84 (7).

Substitution of applicant

85.(1)If the applicant is not qualified under subsection 83 (1) the court may, on any person’s motion, order that another person who is so qualified be substituted as applicant, on any conditions the court considers proper. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 85 (1).

Time

(2)The motion may be made at any time before or during the hearing of the application, with leave of the court. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 85 (2).

Applicant’s death

(3)If the applicant dies before the court hears the application, it shall be deemed to have been dismissed, unless the court makes an order under subsection (1), which applies with necessary modifications; the court may award costs of the application despite the deemed dismissal. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 85 (3).

Appeal

86.(1)An order made under subsection 83 (1) may be appealed to the Divisional Court. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 86 (1).

Power of Divisional Court

(2)The Divisional Court may make an order under subsection 83 (1) or, if it is necessary to take evidence, may order a new hearing. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 86 (2).

New hearing

(3)If the Divisional Court orders a new hearing,

(a) it may order that the hearing be held by the judge who held the original hearing, or by another judge of the General Division; and

(b) unless the Divisional Court orders otherwise, the order made on the new hearing may be appealed under subsection (1) as if it had been the first hearing. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 86 (3).

Matters pending appeal

87.(1)When an order is made under subsection 83 (1) determining a person’s election to an office to be invalid, the person is entitled to sit and vote on the council or local board until,

(a) the appeal period expires without an appeal being filed; or

(b) if an appeal is filed, it is finally disposed of. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 87 (1).

Effect of subsequent disqualification

(2)Decisions of a council or local board in which a person described in subsection (1) has participated are unaffected even if it is determined that another person was validly elected or entitled to the office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 87 (2).

Time for by-election

(3)A by-election that would be required as a result of the order shall not be held until,

(a) the appeal period expires without an appeal being filed; or

(b) if an appeal is filed, it is finally disposed of. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 87 (3).

Election Records

90-day retention period

88.(1)The clerk shall retain the ballots and all other documents and materials related to an election for 90 days after declaring the results of the election under section 55. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (1).

Destruction of records

(2)When the 90-day period has elapsed, the clerk,

(a) shall destroy the ballots, in the presence of two witnesses; and

(b) may destroy any other documents and materials related to the election. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (2).

Exception, recount

(3)However, the clerk shall not destroy the ballots, documents or materials if,

(a) a court orders that they be retained; or

(b) a recount has been commenced and not finally disposed of. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (3).

Exception, election campaign finance documents

(4)Subsection (2) does not apply to documents filed under section 78 (financial statement and auditor’s report), which the clerk shall retain until the members of the council or local board elected at the next regular election have taken office. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (4).

Public records

(5)Despite anything in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, documents and materials filed with or prepared by the clerk or any other election official under this Act are public records and, until their destruction, may be inspected by any person at the clerk’s office at a time when the office is open. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (5).

Exception

(6)However, a person is not entitled to inspect the contents of a ballot box unless authorized to do so by a court order. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (6).

Extracts and copies

(7)A person inspecting documents under this section is entitled to make extracts from them and, on payment of the fee established by the clerk, to make copies of them. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (7).

Fees for copies

(8)The fee established for copies shall not exceed the lowest rate the clerk charges for copies of other documents. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (8).

Grounds for order

(9)The court presiding over a proceeding in respect of a recount, a proceeding in respect of an offence under this Act or a proceeding under section 83 (controverted elections) may make an order under clause (3) (a) or subsection (6) if satisfied that the documents are or may be required for the proceeding. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (9).

Restrictions

(10)No person shall use information obtained from public records described in subsection (5), except for election purposes. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (10).

Voters’ list

(11)A voters’ list prepared under this Act shall not be,

(a) posted in a public place; or

(b) made available to the public in another manner that is prescribed. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 88 (11).

Corrupt Practices and Other Offences, Penalties and Enforcement

Offences

89.A person is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a fine of not more than $5,000, if he or she,

(a) votes without being entitled to do so;

(b) votes more times than this Act allows;

(c) votes in a voting place in which he or she is not entitled to vote;

(d) induces or procures a person to vote when that person is not entitled to do so;

(e) having appointed a voting proxy that remains in force, votes otherwise than by the proxy;

(f) having been appointed a voting proxy, votes under the authority of the proxy when the elector has cancelled the proxy, is no longer entitled to vote or has died;

(g) before or during an election, publishes a false statement of a candidate’s withdrawal;

(h) furnishes false or misleading information to a person whom this Act authorizes to obtain information;

(i) without authority, supplies a ballot to anyone;

(j) delivers to the deputy returning officer to be placed in a ballot box a paper other than the ballot the deputy returning officer gave him or her;

(k) takes a ballot away from the voting place;

(l) at an election, takes, opens or otherwise deals with a ballot, a ballot box, or a book or package of ballots without having authority to do so;

(m) attempts to do something described in clauses (a) to (l). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 89.

Corrupt practices:certain offences committed knowingly

90.(1)If, when a person is convicted of an offence under section 89, the presiding judge finds that the offence was committed knowingly, the offence also constitutes a corrupt practice and the person is liable, in addition to any other penalty, for imprisonment for a term of not more than six months. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 90 (1).

Corrupt practices: bribery

(2)An offence described in subsection (3) constitutes a corrupt practice and a person who commits it is liable, on conviction, to a fine of not more than $5,000, or to imprisonment for not more than six months, or to both, and is disqualified from voting at an election until the fourth anniversary of voting day. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 90 (2).

Same

(3)No person shall, directly or indirectly,

(a) offer, give, lend, or promise or agree to give or lend any valuable consideration, in connection with the exercise or non-exercise of an elector’s vote;

(b) advance, pay or cause to be paid money intending that it be used to commit an offence referred to in clause (a), or knowing that it will be used to repay money used in that way;

(c) give, procure or promise or agree to procure an office or employment in connection with the exercise or non-exercise of an elector’s vote;

(d) apply for, accept or agree to accept any valuable consideration or office or employment in connection with the exercise or non-exercise of an elector’s vote;

(e) give, procure or promise or agree to procure an office or employment to induce a person to become a candidate, refrain from becoming a candidate or withdraw his or her candidacy. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 90 (3).

Corrupt practices by election officials: miscounting votes

(4)A deputy returning officer or other election official who knowingly miscounts the votes or knowingly prepares a false statement of the votes is guilty of an offence that constitutes a corrupt practice and liable, on conviction, to a fine of not more than $5,000, or to imprisonment for not more than six months, or to both. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 90 (4).

Same: false ballot

(5)A deputy returning officer who knowingly places in a ballot box a paper that purports to be, but is not, a ballot capable of being used as such at an election, is guilty of an offence that constitutes a corrupt practice and liable, on conviction, to a fine of not more than $5,000, or to imprisonment for not more than six months, or to both. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 90 (5).

Neglect of duty

(6)A clerk or other election official who wilfully fails to perform a duty imposed by this Act is guilty of an offence that constitutes a corrupt practice and liable, on conviction, to a fine of not more than $5,000, or to imprisonment for not more than six months, or to both. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 90 (6).

Ineligibility, bribery or corrupt practice by candidate

91.(1)If a candidate is convicted of a corrupt practice under this Act, or of an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada) in connection with an act or omission that relates to an election to which this Act applies,

(a) any office to which he or she was elected is forfeited and becomes vacant; and

(b) he or she is ineligible to be nominated for or elected or appointed to any office until the sixth anniversary of voting day. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 91 (1).

Exception

(2)However, if the presiding judge finds that the candidate committed the corrupt practice without any intent of causing or contributing to a false outcome of the election, clause (1) (b) does not apply. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 91 (2).

Election campaign finance offences

92. (1) A corporation or trade union that contravenes any of sections 70 to 76 is guilty of an offence and, on conviction, is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 92 (1).

Same, individuals

(2) An individual who contravenes section 69 or 70 or any of sections 73 to 79 is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $5,000. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 92 (2).

Additional penalty

(3) If the expenses incurred by or on behalf of a candidate exceed the amount determined for the office under section 76, the candidate is liable to a fine equal to the excess, in addition to the fine set out in subsection (2). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 92 (3).

Limitation

(4) No prosecution for a contravention of any of sections 69 to 79 shall be commenced more than one year after the facts on which it is based first came to the informant’s knowledge. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 92 (4).

Offences by candidate

(5) A candidate is guilty of an offence and, on conviction, in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed under this Act, is subject to the penalties described in paragraph 1 of subsection 80 (2), if he or she,

(a) files a document under section 78 that is incorrect or otherwise does not comply with that section; or

(b) incurs expenses that exceed what is permitted under section 76. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 92 (5); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 35 (1).

Exception

(6) However, if the presiding judge finds that the candidate, acting in good faith, committed the offence inadvertently or because of an error in judgment, the penalties described in paragraph 1 of subsection 80 (2) do not apply. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 92 (6); 2002, c. 17, Sched. D, s. 35 (2).

Obstruction, etc.

93.No person shall obstruct a person making an investigation or examination under this Act or withhold, conceal or destroy anything relevant to the investigation or examination. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 93.

General offence

94.A person who contravenes a provision of this Act is guilty of an offence and, if no other penalty is provided is liable, on conviction, to a fine of not more than $5,000. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 94.

Regulations

Regulations

95.(1)The Minister may, by regulation,

(a) fix the amount of the nomination filing fee referred to in clause 33 (2) (c) and specify the manner in which it shall be paid;

(a. 1) prescribing a later deadline for the purpose of subsection 19 (1);

(b) fix the percentage referred to in section 34;

(c) prescribe forms;

(d) prescribe rules for the purpose of section 54 (counting of votes);

(e) prescribe rules for the purpose of section 60 (manner of doing recounts);

(f) prescribing a formula for the purpose of subsection 76 (4) (maximum amount of expenses);

(g) prescribe anything referred to in this Act as being prescribed;

(h) prescribe matters of provincial interest for the purpose of paragraph 2 of subsection 8.1 (2);

(i) provide for transitional matters that, in the opinion of the Minister, are necessary or desirable for the conduct of the election with respect to a question under clause 8 (1) (b) or (c) at the 2000 regular election;

(j) governing and clarifying the application of the provisions of this Act related to questions under clauses 8 (1) (b) and (c);

(k) varying the application of the provisions of this Act related to questions under clauses 8 (1) (b) and (c) if, in the opinion of the Minister, it is necessary or desirable to do so to further the purposes of this Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 95 (1); 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 6 (5); 2000, c. 5, s. 39 (1, 2).

General or particular

(2)A regulation made under clause (1) (a), (a. 1), (b), (c), (h), (i), (j) or (k) may be general or particular in its application. 2000, c. 5, s. 39 (3).

Regulation prevails

(2.1)A regulation made under clause (1) (i) applies despite any provision in this or any other public or private Act. 2000, c. 5, s. 39 (3).

Different formulas

(3)Under clause (1) (f), a different formula may be prescribed for candidates for the office of head of council of a municipality than is prescribed for candidates for other offices. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 95 (3).

Retroactivity

(4)A regulation made under clause (1) (h) may be made applicable with respect to a question in respect of which a by-law under clause 8 (1) (b) is passed before the regulation comes into force, if the vote has not been held on the question when the regulation comes into force. 1999, c. 14, Sched. F, s. 6 (7); 2000, c. 5, s. 39 (4).

Transitional regulations, municipal restructuring

96.(1)The Minister may, by regulation, provide for transitional matters that affect an election and arise out of the restructuring of a municipality or local board. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 96 (1).

Same

(2)A regulation made under subsection (1) may be made retroactive,

(a) in the case of a regular election, to January 1 in that year;

(b) in the case of a by-election, to the first day of the period described in paragraph 2 of subsection 65 (4). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 96 (2).

Same

(3)A regulation made under subsection (1) may be particular or general in its application. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 96 (3).

Same

(4)A regulation made under subsection (1) applies despite anything else in this or any other public or private Act. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 96 (4).

97. Omitted (enacts short title of this Act). 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 97.

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