Manitoba Stronger Together

Introduction

Many election violations occur before candidates are even registered — often unintentionally.

Pre-registration restrictions exist to ensure fairness, prevent premature campaigning, and protect the integrity of the election process. Unfortunately, misinformation and “everyone does it” advice often lead well-meaning candidates into avoidable trouble.

This lesson clearly outlines activities that are not permitted before registration, explains why they are restricted, and helps candidates recognize grey areas that carry risk.

1. You May Not Campaign Before You Register

Before registration, you are not legally a candidate.

You may not:

• Ask people to vote for you

• Present yourself publicly as a candidate

• Use campaign-style messaging or slogans

• Distribute campaign literature

Statements such as:

• “I’m running — vote for me”

• “Support my campaign”

…constitute campaigning and are prohibited before registration.

Even casual language can create problems if it implies solicitation.

2. You May Not Fundraise or Accept Contributions

Fundraising rules are strict — and violations are taken seriously.

Before registration, you may not:

• Ask for donations

• Accept money or in-kind contributions

• Collect funds “for later”

• Have others fundraise on your behalf

This includes:

• Cash

• E-transfers

• Discounts

• Services

• Materials

Intent does not matter. Acceptance itself creates risk.

Candidates must wait until legally permitted and registered before engaging in any fundraising activity.

3. You May Not Advertise or Promote Yourself as a Candidate

Advertising restrictions apply broadly.

Before registration, you should not:

• Order or display campaign signs

• Distribute flyers or posters

• Run ads (print, digital, or social media)

• Launch campaign-branded websites or pages

Even paid “issue ads” may be scrutinized if they reasonably appear to promote your candidacy.

If it looks like a campaign, it may be treated as one.

4. You Must Avoid Campaign Infrastructure

Certain activities signal campaign readiness and are therefore restricted.

Avoid:

• Campaign bank accounts

• Formal volunteer recruitment

• Campaign email lists

• Organized canvassing

These activities typically become lawful only after registration and within defined limits.

Premature organization creates both legal and reputational risk.

5. Grey Areas and Common Mistakes

Some violations occur in grey areas rather than obvious ones.

High-risk behaviours include:

• “Just testing” campaign messaging

• Using personal social media to imply candidacy

• Letting supporters promote you publicly

• Sharing campaign graphics “informally”

If others act on your behalf, you are still responsible.

Silence is not consent — but lack of correction can still create problems.

6. Why “Everyone Else Is Doing It” Is Not a Defence

Many candidates assume enforcement is lax or inconsistent.

This is a mistake.

Complaints are often:

• Politically motivated

• Triggered by visibility

• Filed anonymously

Once a complaint is filed, intent is irrelevant. Documentation and compliance matter.

Candidates who violate early rules often carry reputational damage throughout the campaign.

Closing Reflection

Pre-registration restrictions are not obstacles — they are guardrails.

Candidates who respect these boundaries protect themselves, their campaigns, and the integrity of the election process.

This lesson reinforces a central truth of Module 7:

Discipline before registration prevents damage after registration.