Fraser Valley/Victoria – Both Elections BC and Elections Canada have strict rules about advertising at any voting polling station.
Short Answer- You can’t do it.
A few social media pages have lit up over situations at advance polls, where voters were turned away, because they work a candidates T Shirt.
Via Elections BC: Under British Columbia’s Election Act, no election advertising or partisan material may be posted, displayed, or distributed within 100 metres of a district electoral office, an advance voting place, or a general voting place while voting is actively taking place. [1, 2]
The 100-Metre Rule Breakdown
During the campaign period and while voting is in progress, the following restrictions apply within the strict 100-metre radius of a polling site: [1, 2]
- Partisan Materials & Signs: You cannot post, display, or distribute any literature, posters, signs, or materials that identify a candidate, registered political party, or registered constituency association. This also extends to bumper stickers on vehicles parked within this boundary. [1, 2]
- Campaigning & Solicitation: Individuals are completely prohibited from canvassing, soliciting votes, or attempting to influence how an elector casts their ballot. [1]
- Apparel & Emblems: Voters and supporters are barred from carrying, wearing, or supplying flags, badges, or any other items indicating support for a particular candidate or party. [1]
- Audio Advertising: The use of loudspeakers or PA systems to broadcast election advertising within hearing distance of a voting place is strictly illegal. [1]
Enforcement and Authority
Elections BC‘s district electoral officers and information officers are instructed to inspect the perimeter of voting places before and during voting proceedings. They hold the formal authority to remove, cover, or obscure any material that contravenes this 100-metre zone to maintain a neutral, un-intimidating environment for voters. Political parties and candidates are generally advised to proactively remove any signs near designated polling stations to prevent complaints. [1, 2, 3]
(Note: If you are looking at local government or municipal elections in BC, the Local Government Act mirrors this exact same 100-metre restriction regarding campaign materials and ballot representations). [1]
This is OK
This is not:
