Information for Landlords and Tenants
The Elections Act addresses three key issues for landlords and tenants during an election: Under the law:
- Registration agents must have access to apartment buildings and other multiple unit residential complexes.
- Candidates and their representatives are allowed into apartment buildings and other multiple unit residential complexes
- Tenants are allowed to display candidate posters and signs within reasonable limits
TARGETED REGISTRATION AND REVISION
During targeted registration and revision, registration agents visit homes to add names of eligible voters to the voters list. Registration agents must be given access to the entrance door of each residence in an apartment, condominium complex or other multiple residence [s. 66(3) of EA].Revision is held immediately following targeted registration to add, change or remove names from the voters list.
An Elections Manitoba returning officer will work with building management to arrange a time for agents to visit.
Registration agents must display Elections Manitoba photo identification. Agents work only during daylight hours. It is an offence for an individual to falsely represent themselves as an election official.
Candidates
Political candidates and their representatives have the right to approach each residence in an apartment, condominium complex or other multiple residences. However, these visits can occur only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. during an election period. [S. 195(1)-195(5) of the EA]
Candidates and their representatives must produce identification or documentation confirming they are a candidate or represent a candidate.
It is an offence for an individual to falsely represent themselves as a candidate or candidate’s representative.
If there is a voting station in the building, candidates and their representatives cannot approach units or leave election materials on the same level as the voting station.
Tenants
Tenants can display candidate posters and signs on property that they own, rent or lease. This includes posting material in windows and on balconies. [S. 124(1)-124(6), 196(1)-196(2) of EA]
If there is a voting station in the building, units within 50 metres on the same level cannot display political posters, signs or flyers during advance voting or on election day.
Building management may prohibit signs and posters in common areas. It may also set reasonable conditions on the size and type of signs and posters that tenants can display.
For further information about your specific situation please contact us.