Election legislation, by-laws and rules

Municipal elections within the Halifax Regional Municipality are governed by several provincial and municipal acts, legislation and by-laws.

Navigate to:

• Legislation and by-laws
• Corrupt practices
• Election signage rules

The following documents are available for download in PDF format:

In addition to the municipality’s candidate information guide, which features an overview of the process related to running for public office within the municipality, candidates should familiarize themselves with all relevant acts, legislation and by-laws related to municipal elections.

Corrupt practices

All individuals participating in any part of the municipal and CSAP election process are expected to comply with the Municipal Elections Act, including (but not limited to):

• candidates
• official agents
• poll agents
• election staff and poll officials 
• voters

Sections 149-156 of the Municipal Elections Act outline corrupt practices.

Election signage

During municipal elections, election signage is regulated by the Province of Nova Scotia’s Municipal Elections Act and by the municipality’s Temporary Sign By-law. Election signage includes signs for candidates running for Halifax Regional Council and candidates for the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP).

While election signage is an important part of campaigning, there are rules to ensure elections are fair and balanced and that signage doesn’t create any safety hazards. No license or approval is required to place an election sign, as long as it meets the requirements of the Temporary Sign Bylaw, and Municipal Election Act.

Where can election signage be placed?

Signage on private property can be placed at any time. Signage in a municipal street right-of-way may not be placed before September 1.

No signage may be displayed within 61 metres (200 feet) of a polling place on election day or an advance polling day. Candidates are responsible for removing any such signage prior to election day and/or advance polling day.

All election signage must be removed from public property after election day.

Where can election signage be placed on private property?

There are no restrictions on where election signage can be placed on private property. Under the Municipal Elections Act, tenants are allowed to display election signage on the premises they lease, and a landlord or condominium corporation is not allowed to prohibit this.

However, a landlord or condominium corporation may place reasonable conditions on the size or type of election signage that may be displayed and may prohibit the placement of election signage in common areas of a building or property.

Where can election signage be placed in a provincial street right-of-way?

The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works (NSDPW) has guidelines for election-related signage near provincial roadways:

• controlled-access highways — 100-series highways
  • election signs are not permitted within 1 km of the centre lines of these highways
  • nor within 60 m of the end of ramps or controlled-access connectors onto connector/non-controlled-access highways
• non-controlled access highways — majority of provincial roads in NS
  • must have approval of the adjacent property owner before posting signs in the right-of-way
• election signs should not cause a hazard by obstructing sight distance at intersections, parking lots, driveways or traffic control signs
• signs should be behind the ditch line or a minimum of 3 m behind the curb
• signs cannot be affixed to any utility poles, street signs, lamp posts, traffic signal poles, guardrails or guideposts

For any election signs that violate these provincial guidelines, the Department of Public Works will automatically remove signs under 1.44 m². For larger signs, NSDPW will contact the Election Office and allow 24 hours for the candidate’s office to remove the sign, after which time the department will remove it.

Where can election signage be placed in a municipal street right-of-way?

Election signage may be placed within the municipal street right-of-way (i.e., streets, sidewalks, ditches and gravel shoulders). The following provides a general guide to the size and placement of election signs, however it is up to the individual placing the signs to ensure they are in compliance with the Temporary Sign By-law which governs the placement of all temporary signs, including election signs.

• signs may not be larger than 1.5 m² in area
• signs may be no taller than 2 m in height from the ground to the top of the sign
• signs shall be placed according to the following criteria: 
  • street with curb and sidewalk or ditch: the greater of 4 m from the curb, or 1.5 m from back of sidewalk or ditch
  • street with curb only (no sidewalk or ditch): 4 m from the curb
  • street with sidewalk or ditch (no curb): The greater of 6.5 m from the edge of the asphalt, or 1.5 m from back of sidewalk or ditch
  • street with no curb, sidewalk or ditch: 6.5 m from edge of asphalt
• signs cannot be located within a centre median or island installed within a street
• signs cannot be located within a daylighting triangle – 6.1 m from the corner of two intersecting streets
• Signs cannot obstruct the vision of motorists or pedestrians or present any safety hazard to any street users
• signs cannot obstruct a fire hydrant, fire department connection, exit or ventilation device on a building
• signs may not overhang the sidewalk or street
• signs may not be placed in front of any municipal property (e.g. parks, community centres, schools, fire stations, etc.)
• signs cannot be affixed to utility poles, street signs, lamp posts, traffic signal poles or trees

Report concerns about election signage

For any concerns about election signage within the municipality, please contact 311.

Questions about election rules?

Contact the Election Office with any questions related to municipal elections within the Halifax Regional Municipality:

• Phone: 902.490.VOTE (8683)
• Email: election@halifax.ca