Press Releases and Media Advisories

Filming by Media at Polling Stations and in Offices of Returning Officers

OTTAWA, Wednesday, January 18, 2006 — The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Jean‑Pierre Kingsley, wishes to remind the media, candidates and others that media representatives are not permitted at polling stations or in the office of the returning officer to film or broadcast voting by electors. This includes the filming or broadcasting of voting by party leaders. Nor can any returning officer or poll official permit such filming or broadcasting.

Media representatives may film proceedings from the doorway of these locations provided this can be done without interfering with electors' easy access to the polling location and without disturbing electors in or near the location. Section 135 of the Canada Elections Act does not permit the presence of the media at a polling station on polling day. This rule applies even if an elector consents to being filmed.

This is meant to allow the electoral process to take place in a manner that allows individual voters to solemnly consider and cast their vote in private, without distraction, disruption or delay.

Your understanding and co-operation is requested to ensure the fair and smooth operation of voting by electors.

Elections Canada is an independent body set up by Parliament.

Information:
Elections Canada Media Relations
1 877 877-9515
or at www.elections.ca