Election Sign Rules for Candidates

Candidates are responsible for following all applicable City By-laws when placing election signs related to their campaign. Before placing election signs, candidates and campaign teams should review the following documents:

• Election Sign By-law 012-2022 [PDF] - the City’s by-law specifically regulating election signs.

• Sign By-law 034-2007 (Office Consolidation) [PDF] - the City’s general sign by-law, which also applies to election signs.

• 2026 Election Sign Enforcement Protocol – DGM-37-26 [PDF] - outlines the City’s enforcement approach for the 2026 municipal election.

• Update to 2026 Election Sign Enforcement Protocol – DGM-58-26 [PDF] - provides updated direction for the 2026 municipal election, including the City’s enforcement approach to when signs may be placed.

The information on this page is provided as a helpful overview. The City’s by-laws and approved election sign enforcement documents are the authoritative sources.

If there is a conflict between the Election Sign By-law and another City by-law regulating signs, the Sign By-law takes precedence.

When can I put up election signs?

The Election Sign By-law generally does not allow municipal election signs to be displayed more than 45 days before Voting Day. For the 2026 municipal election, the date set out in the by-law is Sept. 2, 2026

Campaign headquarters signs have a separate exception and may be placed once a candidate has filed their nomination papers and paid the required filing fee.

Updated enforcement approach for 2026

For the 2026 municipal election, the City will not take enforcement action based on timing alone for election signs put up on or after Aug. 22, 2026, provided the sign and its location do not create a nuisance or safety concern.

All election signs must be removed following the election. For the 2026 municipal election, signs must be removed by Oct. 31, 2026.

Where can I put an election sign?

Private property

Election signs can be displayed on private property only with the permission or consent of the property owner.

Election signs on private property do not require a City sign permit, but they must continue to meet applicable sign, location and safety requirements.

City property and road allowances

City by-laws restrict election signs on streets and other City property.

For the 2026 municipal election, the City is prioritizing education to support compliance. Election signs on municipal road allowances will generally not be removed solely because they are on the road allowance, provided they meet applicable timing requirements and do not create a nuisance, safety concern or other identified issue.

When placing an election sign on a road allowance under the City’s 2026 enforcement approach:

• place the sign on the boulevard

• do not place it on a sidewalk

• do not place it on the travelled part of the road

• do not place it on a median

• do not attach it to a tree, utility pole, traffic control device or other object on the road allowance

• make sure it does not interfere with pedestrians, vehicles, visibility or City operations.

Election signs may still be subject to enforcement when placed on other City property, such as a park.

Keep election signs safe

Candidates and campaign teams should regularly check their signs and make sure they remain safe and in good condition.

Election signs must not:

• be unsafe, damaged or unsightly

• be painted on, attached to or supported by a tree

• be attached to a utility pole or traffic control device

• use flashing lights, rotating parts or illumination

• look like a traffic control device

• block sidewalks or areas where pedestrians are expected to walk

• interfere with drivers, pedestrians, traffic signals or other traffic control devices

• interfere with City maintenance

• obstruct parking

• obstruct fire routes, fire hydrants, fire exits or access required by emergency services

• use the City of Burlington logo or the City’s municipal election logo.

Election signs at voting places

Election signs and other candidate or third-party advertising are not permitted on a voting place property while in-person voting is taking place. A voting place includes the public building or property, including its parking lot, where in-person voting takes place.

Candidates and campaign teams should check all in-person voting dates and locations and make sure their signs are removed from voting place properties before voting begins.

Signs at campaign headquarters

A campaign headquarters election sign may be placed once a candidate has filed their nomination papers with the City Clerk and paid the required filing fee.

Different rules apply to permanent pylon or fascia signs on a campaign office property. These signs may identify the use of the property but cannot promote, support or oppose a candidate, political party or position on a ballot question.

Election sign enforcement

The City’s 2026 approach prioritizes education to help candidates and campaign teams follow election sign requirements. Enforcement may still occur when a sign creates a safety concern, is in poor condition, is placed in a prohibited location or otherwise does not meet applicable requirements.

Election Sign By-law 012-2022 allows the City Clerk or a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer to remove an election sign that contravenes the by-law without notice. The by-law also includes provisions related to disposal of removed signs and offences.

Election Signage Questions

For questions, please contact the By-Law Compliance Department at 905-335-7731 or bylaw@burlington.ca.