Ontario's chief electoral officer says the province should hold its next election on a weekend or holiday to provide easier access to polling stations at schools and keep children safe.

That is one of 13 recommendations Greg Essensa makes in his post-vote report on Ontario's 2018 election.

Essensa says while Elections Ontario pays for security at schools, the safety of children would be enhanced if voting was moved to a day classes were not in session.

He also recommends the province extend the 29-day writ period to help elections run more efficiently.

Essensa says the current campaign length requires Elections Ontario to deploy materials and staff with tight turnaround times.

The report also recommends giving the arm's-length agency the ability to levy fines for minor violations of the province's elections laws