Political Signage Information

The use of political/election signs is a common practice in local government elections. There are some important things for candidates to be aware of in regards to election signs.

The key sources of information that outline the requirements for these signs are:

• The City of Nanaimo’s “Political Signage Regulation Bylaw 2021 No. 7335”

• The Ministry of Transportation and Transit’s “Ministry Technical Circular T-01/25” (for signs installed on provincial rights-of-way)

When can election signs be posted?

On City-owned public property and private property, signs can be displayed 30 days prior to the General Voting Day (Thursday, September 17).

On provincial rights of way, signs can be displayed at the start of the campaign period (Saturday, September 19).

Are there limits to what size an election sign can be?

Yes. There are restrictions on the size of politics signs, which vary depending on where they are located.

• Signs on City-owned public property cannot exceed 0.6m² (6.5 ft²)
• Signs on private property cannot exceed 0.4m² (4 ft²)
• Signs on provincial rights of way have no explicit size restrictions; however, other requirements apply (view the “Ministry Technical Circular T-01/25” to learn more)

A square footage calculator is a good tool to use to ensure your signs comply with the size requirements. 

Do I need to pay a fee to put up election signs?

You must pay a $200 security deposit and submit a “Declaration of Signage Deposit” form before posting election signs on City-owned public property within the City of Nanaimo boundaries.

To pay a signage deposit and submit the signed form, visit the Legislative Services Office located at City Hall (455 Wallace Street) during regular office hours (8:30 am – 4:30 pm) Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays.  Deposits may be paid by cheque, cash, debit, or credit card and are refundable once the signs have been removed by the deadline.

What rules do I need to be aware of when designing and placing signs?

All election signs must display an authorization statement that includes the following:

• The words “authorized by”
• The name of the financial agent (or the candidate if they are acting as their own financial agent)
• A BC telephone number, BC mailing address or an email address

Note: for advertising sponsors, authorization statement must include the name of the sponsor and the words “registered sponsor under LECFA” (Local Election Campaign Financing Act).

Examples:

• Authorized by Jane Doe, financial agent, 250-123-4578
• Authorized by XYZ Political Party, 604-123-4567
• Authorized by Jane Doe, registered sponsor under LECFA, 250-234-5678

Signs placed on City-owned public property:

• Must have the name and phone number of the Candidate or Candidate Representative located on the sign
• Must be placed further from the road than standard road signs
• Must comply with the regulations outlined in the City’s "Political Signage Regulation Bylaw 2021 No. 7335"
• Areas where election signs are not permitted include:
  • In a park
  • Within a traffic circle, roundabout or a highway median
  • On or in civic buildings owned or leased by the City (municipal halls, libraries, recreation centres, etc.)
  • Within one metre of a fire hydrant
  • On a tree, planter, utility pole, waste receptacle, newspaper box or mail box

Signs placed on private property:

• Can only be placed with the consent of the property owner or occupants of the property during the specified time period

Signs placed on provincial rights-of-way:

• Must comply with the procedures outlined in the Ministry of Transportation and Transit’s “Ministry Technical Circular T-01/25”
• Cannot be placed on Highway 19, from Duke Point Ferry Terminal to Trans-Canada Highway or Highway 19 Nanaimo Parkway, from Trans-Canada Highway to Island Highway

For more details regarding signage on provincial rights of way, contact the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (Nanaimo office: 250-751-3246 or Operations.Nanaimo@gov.bc.ca).

Signs placed on all land types:

The following Bylaw restrictions apply to all land types – signs cannot be:

• Illuminated
• Within 0.3m in any direction to any other sign
• Obstructing, simulating or detracting from any traffic control device
• Hazardous to pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles
• Unsightly or dilapidated
• Placed on a roof top or within 100 meters of a voting location
• A political billboard

What date do election signs need to be removed by?

Signs on City-owned public property and private property must be removed by the next business day after the General Voting Day (Monday, October 19).

 Signs within provincial rights of way must be removed on the next day following the General Voting Day (Sunday, October 18).

Are there penalties for not complying with election signage regulations?

Yes, the City’s "Political Signage Regulation Bylaw 2021 No. 7335" outlines penalties related to signage violations. These include removal of any political signs that do not comply with municipal and provincial regulations and the applicable financial penalties.

Individuals placing the signs are responsible for reviewing and complying with municipal and provincial regulations.