Two-week blackout imposed on Ontario election political ads

TORONTO -- Ontario voters may have gotten a taste of political ads in the first few days of the election campaign, but they won't be running on TV, radio or in print for the next two weeks.

Chief Electoral Officer Greg Essensa says a blackout on political advertising came into effect Wednesday after Lt. Gov. David Onley signed the writs for the June 12 election.

It remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20.

Essensa says a blackout at the beginning of a campaign is only imposed if there's a snap election call and is aimed at preventing the governing party from gaining an edge by having political advertising ready to go as soon as the vote is announced.

A second blackout period begins at midnight on Tuesday, June 10 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on election day.

Essensa says the blackout rules only apply to traditional media and not to online advertising, but after this election he will be assessing whether the rules need to be changed.