Press Releases
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR ELECTION DAY, MONDAY, MAY 12, 2003
(OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 7, 2003) — Elections Canada today issued the following reminders about activities prohibited in polling stations during the federal by-election on Monday, May 12, 2003, in Perth–Middlesex in Ontario.
No one may post or display, in or on the exterior surface of a polling place, any campaign literature or other material that could be taken as an indication of support for, or opposition to, a party or a candidate listed on the ballot.
No one may use loudspeakers within hearing distance of a polling station to promote or oppose a party or a candidate listed on the ballot. Nor, other than a candidate’s representative, who may wear an approved identification badge while in a polling station, may anyone wear any supporting or opposing emblem. Nor may anyone, while in a polling station or in any place where voting in an election is taking place, otherwise influence how an elector votes.
Candidates’ representatives have the right to express doubts about an elector’s identity or entitlement to vote, on a case-by-case basis. Candidates’ representatives may not carry materials identifying the candidate and/or his or her party. They are provided with approved badges for identification purposes.
The Canada Elections Act includes provisions to enforce compliance with the above in all polling stations.
The deputy returning officers are in full charge of maintaining order at their polls. They answer only to the returning officer, or his or her representatives, and not to party or candidate representatives.
“Central poll supervisors, deputy returning officers, poll clerks, information officers, and registration officers have accepted important responsibilities in the service of their fellow Canadians and electoral democracy. We are all counting on them on election day,” said Jean-Pierre Kingsley, Chief Electoral Officer of Canada.
For more information, candidates or electors may contact the office of the
returning officer at
A by-election will be held in Perth–Middlesex on Monday, May 12, 2003.
Elections Canada is the non-partisan agency responsible for the conduct of federal elections and referendums.
Contact Elections Canada Media Relations by phone at 1 800 267-7360
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