Campaign signs are okay

There was much discussion as to whether or not campaign signs could go up now or had to wait til after September 22. Here a response that Dave M. got from Elections BC.

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Williamson, Daniele EBC:EX <Daniele.Williamson@elections.bc.ca>

To: 'davebmack@yahoo.ca' <davebmack@yahoo.ca>

Sent: ‎Tuesday‎, ‎September‎ ‎18‎, ‎2018‎ ‎09‎:‎05‎:‎53‎ ‎AM‎ ‎PDT

Subject: Campaign Signs - Elections BC

Good morning Dave,

Thanks for your call. As per our conversation, according to the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act (LECFA), you may set-up your campaign signs now.

Under LECFA, campaign signs, advertising, and promotions displayed prior to the campaign period during the election period, from January 1, 2018 – September 21, 2018 11:59:59 PM, do not require an authorization statement.

Authorization statements are only required on campaign signs, advertising and promotions when displayed during the campaign period. The campaign period begins on the 28th day before General Voting Day. For the General Local Election on October 20, 2018 the campaign period is September 22, 2018 12:00 AM – October 20, 2018 8:00 PM.

Authorization statement must include:

-              the  name of the financial agent

-              the words “authorized by” in front of the finical agent`s name, and

-              B.C. phone number, or B.C. mailing address, or email address 

Example of a candidate authorization statement: Authorized by Susan Wong (555) 555-5555

Every candidates, endorsed or unendorsed, must include an authorization statement.

Candidates who are acting as their own Financial Agent are still required to include the authorization statement.

There are no size requirements for the authorization statement; however, the authorization statement must be clear and readable.

The sponsorship information must be in English or understandable to readers of English. If the advertising is in another language the authorization statement must also be understandable to readers of that language. 

Certain jurisdictions have bylaws regarding when campaign signs can be displayed; please consult with the local jurisdiction.

If your signs will be placed on or near a highway, please contact the Ministry of Transportation at 250-387-3189.

Some election advertising is exempt from an authorization statement, examples include (but are not limited to): clothing, novelty items, small items like key chains, some advertisements on the internet (if the ads link to another webpage where the authorization statement is clearly visible). For more information, please see 40-48 of the Elections B.C.Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in BC for Candidates and their Financial Agents.

If you have any further question, please let us know.

Best regards,

Daniele Williamson

Compliance Specialist

Local Elections Campaign Financing

Elections BC