Rob Ford's campaign finances were under question on Wednesday after allegations were raised that he broke rules in his successful run to become the mayor of Toronto.
Citizens Max Reed and Adam Chaleff-Freudentaler filed a 17-page audit request at the registrar's office on Wednesday, claiming Ford spent almost $70,000 more than allowed by the municipal election rules.
The Municipal Elections Act limits campaign spending to $1.305 million.
"What led us to do this is really an interest in the campaign finance rules and to ensure that they are being followed, because fair elections require that everyone play by the same rules so we have a level playing field," Reed told CTV Toronto.
The allegations centre on a loan made to the campaign from a Ford family holding company. The loan was reportedly repaid, but Reed said there were concerns about whether interest was charged and whether it should be considered a corporate contribution, which is not allowed.
The audit request also alleges that the Ford campaign sidestepped the rules by excluding some expenses and improperly categorizing others.
Ford won the city's top job in the last year's civic election, beating out candidates George Smitherman and Joe Pantalone by campaigning on a message of respect for taxpayers.
The Mayor's Office says that the campaign's finances were reviewed by an outside auditor before being submitted to Elections Toronto and that the auditor did not raise any concerns.
Anyone found in violation of finance laws could pay a financial penalty of up to $25,000 and, in some cases, removal from office.
Two previous audit requests related to Ford's election spending was submitted last month and will be reviewed by city council's compliance audit committee on Friday.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Alicia Markson
