Myth vs. fact: what the rules say about campaign signs in Windsor
Myth: taking a campaign sign is no big deal. Fact: Windsor Police say removing, damaging or defacing one without permission may be theft or mischief. Landlords can't ban tenants' election signs. Signs come down within 72 hours after Voting Day.
Topics: Election 2026Public safety
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With six days to Voting Day, campaign signs are on lawns and balconies across Windsor. Here is what the rules actually say.
Myth: taking a sign is no big deal
Windsor Police said on Oct. 19 that removing, damaging or defacing a campaign sign without permission may be considered theft or mischief. Police are asking residents who see a sign being stolen or damaged, or see threatening or harassing behaviour, to report it.
Myth: my landlord can ban my sign
Ontario's Municipal Elections Act, section 88.2, says a landlord cannot prohibit a tenant from displaying election signs on the premises the lease covers. Condominium corporations cannot ban owners or tenants from displaying them in their units either. Landlords and condo boards can set reasonable conditions on the size or type of sign and can ban election signs in common areas, unless the building is being used as a voting place.
Myth: signs can go anywhere
Windsor's sign bylaw, By-law 250-2004, does not allow any part of an election sign on the property of a voting place, including the road allowance and its parking. Signs also cannot be placed on public road allowances or public property where they would distract drivers, block sight lines or get in the way of people walking.
Myth: signs can stay up after the vote
The bylaw says election signs must be removed within 72 hours after 11:59 p.m. on Voting Day. Voting Day is Monday, Oct. 26.
What it means for you
If you see a sign stolen or damaged, Windsor Police ask you to report it. Their non-emergency line is 519-258-6111, and some property damage reports can be filed online.
