Everything you need to know about election signs
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Vaughan’s Sign By-law governs their size, location and more
The 2021 Canadian Federal Election has been announced for Monday, Sept. 20 – which means campaign signs will start appearing on lawns throughout your neighbourhood. In Vaughan, they are governed by the City’s Sign By-law 140-2018 (PDF), as amended by By-law 079-2019 (PDF). Here’s what you need to know:
- Election signs may only be erected six weeks prior to voting day.
- The maximum area of an election sign is 1.49 square metres (including any border or frame).
- Election signs posted within a campaign office must comply with the provisions of the Sign By-law if they can be seen from outside the office.
- Election signs must be set back one metre from all street lines, a minimum of 1.5 metres from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot and not be located within a daylighting triangle – the outside corner of a property at an intersection.
- Elections signs posted to the exterior of a campaign office are considered business premises signs that require permits.
- Banner signs, mobile signs and A-frame signs are not permitted.
- Candidates are required to have their election signs removed within 72 hours following the election.
In addition to adhering to the Sign By-law, candidates also need to register their campaign, complete an application (PDF), pay a fee and obtain approval from Vaughan’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department before erecting signs. Signs that are not in compliance will be removed.
Any concerns or questions about election signs can be directed to Access Vaughan. Reach the team directly by phone at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Please note, Vaughan’s Office of the City Clerk is not responsible for the administration of federal elections. This jurisdiction resides with Elections Canada, an independent agency of the Parliament of Canada.
Below is more information on the appropriate resources and contacts for the upcoming federal election.
Voter registration
Individuals may confirm their registration status, update their existing information or register as a voter online through the Elections Canada Federal Election Registration webpage.
Vote by mail
Registered voters who do not feel comfortable voting in person may apply to vote by mail. With this special ballot, a vote can be placed from anywhere in the world. To do so, submit an online application to Elections Canada.
Voter identification
To vote in the federal election, individuals must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old on election day and are required to confirm their identity and address. There are three options available to prove this. A list is available on the Elections Canada ID to Vote webpage.
Employment opportunities
Individuals seeking employment at an Elections Canada polling centre may find information about eligibility, roles and the application process on the Elections Canada Jobs During the Election webpage.
Electoral district (riding) information
Residents may confirm their riding and find additional information on their electoral district on the Elections Canada Voter Information Service webpage.
Contact information
For questions about registration, voting or the upcoming federal election, contact Elections Canada directly by phone, fax, mail, online contact form and more. All options are listed on the Contact Us webpage.
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