In this section
The premises of a polling station include the polling location, i.e., the building where the polling station is located, and any neighbouring sites from which electors might see a sign or partisan publicity.
Candidates
- A candidate can appear at a polling location to exercise their right to vote.
- A candidate can attend all voting activities or appoint a representative (with a proxy) to do so.
- A candidate cannot greet voters, approach them, shake their hand, or state their name or the party for which they are running on polling station premises.
- A candidate cannot go to a polling station while an elector is voting.
- A candidate cannot encourage electors to vote for them on polling station premises.
Partisan publicity
On the premises of a polling station, no person shall use any sign that identifies his or her political affiliation or that expresses support for or opposition to a party or candidate. Partisan publicity is also prohibited.
Partisan publicity can take many forms. It may be on a computerized, audiovisual or material medium (pin, emblem, banner, label, ribbon, flag, pamphlet, card, poster, etc.). It can even come from interpersonal interactions: no one can hand out flyers or cards, put up a poster, display a banner or badge, etc.
Mandataries of a candidate
On polling day, a candidate’s mandataries will not be admitted to a polling location.
Press agents
Press agents are not permitted to take pictures of their candidate while voting.
Media
Inside the polling location
Authorized persons (journalists, news networks, etc.) can:
- Shoot in silent mode
- Film a candidate voting
- Film or take photos (long shots) of electors waiting to vote or actually voting
They cannot:
- Film or take photos of one elector voting
- Turn the camera on a specific elector without having obtained their consent
- Ask electors for whom they voted
Outside the polling location
Authorized persons (journalists, news networks, etc.) can:
- Film or take photos of electors entering and leaving the polling location
- Record coverage and broadcast live
They cannot:
- Request interviews with voters
- Ask electors for whom they voted (even off camera)
- Record an interview with a candidate or a person associated with a political party