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Being part of a political campaign can be an exciting way to show support for your community and the values that matter to you.
That said, being part of a political campaign can also sometimes prove to be frustrating.
From knowing local fundraising laws to understanding rules and regulations around political signage, there seem to be endless amounts of dos and don’ts in running a political campaign.
One area that this is frequently seen?
Campaign signs.
- Political yard sign regulations vary significantly by state, impacting how and where signs can be used.
- Campaign managers must research and adhere to local laws to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
- Understanding and following state-specific rules ensures effective and legally compliant political yard sign placement.
- ― Political Signs in Texas
- ― Political Signs in California
- ― Political Signs in Florida
- ― Easy Signs: Your One-Stop-Shop for Campaign Signage this Election Season
Political signage is an important part of most campaigns’ advertising strategies. But knowing where you can place them, when and for how long are all rules you’ll need to familiarize yourself with before you begin promoting your candidate’s election run all over town.
Let’s take a look at some popular states where political sign rules and regulations must be followed in order for a campaign to run smoothly.
Political Signs in Texas
Texas is a big state with some big politics.
Because of this, there are some clear-cut and carefully thought-out rules that come with political advertising signs being placed around neighborhoods and communities in this state.
One of the most important ones to know from day one of your campaign is that local Texas law prohibits political signs from going up earlier than 90 days before an election.
Not only that, but the signs must be removed within 10 days after the election.
If these timelines aren’t carefully followed, fines and penalties can be issued by local and state authorities.
In Texas, political advertising is carefully monitored and is governed by the state’s Texas Ethics Committee. If you are in doubt about how any of the rules may apply to your campaign signs, this brochure is a good place to check.
Here are some other rules you’ll want to be sure to follow if you are campaigning in the Lone Star state:
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Notice Requirement on Political Advertising Signs:
One of the most notable laws in Texas is that all political signage needs to be printed with the following statement: “IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393, TRANSPORTATION CODE), TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF A HIGHWAY.”
Anyone who knowingly makes political advertising signs without this required notice could be presented with a Class C misdemeanor in the state of Texas.
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Regulation of Display by Property Owners’ Associations:
Another important law to be aware of in Texas is that homeowners’ associations cannot enforce or adopt restrictive covenants that prohibit a property owner from displaying political signs on their private property.
They can, however, limit property owners to one sign per candidate and insist on the signage being ground-mounted.
That said, anyone posting campaign signs still needs to abide by the timeline of not posting any political signage 90 days before the election and removing all signage or other objects related to the campaign within 10 days after the election date in the state.
Texas also makes it clear to voters that no roofing materials, siding, paving materials, flora, balloons, lights, or other nonstandard decorative components should be a part of the political signs.
Political signs can also be removed from telephone poles and other structures if there is reason to believe they create a traffic hazard or pose any sort of threat to the community.
Political Signs in California
In California, there are also some campaign-specific rules and regulations regarding the placement and display of political signs by candidates and voters alike.
While the entire list of rules and regulations can be found on the California Fair Political Practices Commission website, here are a few of the most important ones to be aware of:
Placement Timing:
As is the case in Texas, political signs should not be placed on any property sooner than 90 days before the scheduled election. They also need to be removed within 10 days after the election.
Size Restrictions:
In California, political advertising yard signs must not be larger than 32 square feet.
Signs are also not allowed to be placed within the right-of-way of any highway, or within 660 feet of the edge of, and visible from, the right-of-way of a classified landscaped freeway. Any political sign that blocks any sort of traffic signs will immediately be removed (and fines could result as a consequence for not following this rule.)
A Statement of Responsibility:
California law states that any campaign — regardless of whether it’s supporting a local or federal candidate — must file a Statement of Responsibility that certifies the name of the person who will be responsible for removing all political signage after the election season is over.
This statement allows the election commission to know who to contact when and if there are issues with where a sign is posted or issues surrounding the removal of any campaign signs after the election is over.
Political Signs in Florida
As with Texas and California, the state of Florida has some specific rules that govern political yard signs that are different from other types of advertising signage that we often see in front of buildings and businesses.
While a more extensive list can be found in the Florida Statutes of Political Signs Usage document, here are some of the main takeaways you’ll want to be aware of before you begin placing signs in the Sunshine State.
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Placement of Campaign Signs:
Political campaign signs may not be placed on any state, county, or city right of way.
They can be placed on private property with the owner’s permission and do not require a permit under state law.
Florida law also states that no political campaign advertisements can be erected, posted, painted, tacked, nailed, or otherwise displayed on or above any state or county road right-of-way. This includes posting signs on or near traffic signs or anywhere that can cause dangerous road conditions to result.
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Removal of Campaign Signs:
Candidates must make a good-faith effort to remove all political campaign advertisements within 30 days after withdrawing their candidacy, being eliminated, or being elected to office.
As in other states, Florida requires that one person be listed with the state board of elections as the contact for campaign sign removal once the election season is over. Failure to remove all signage within the stated period of time can result in fines being issued to the campaign.
Easy Signs: Your One-Stop-Shop for Campaign Signage this Election Season
Political yard sign rules are designed by each state to ensure clarity, fairness, and reduce misleading information in political campaigning.
It’s important for campaign staff and volunteers to be aware of the rules in their state. If you need more guidance on how to get political yard signs, be sure to check your local regulations.
And — it’s important for us at Easy Signs to give you the best signs for your community and your budget.
Here are some of the benefits of buying your political yard signs at Easy Signs:
- Printed on our best quality Signflute™ Corrugated Plastic material
- Made with UV and weather resistant printing
- Printed in amazing full color using Latex digital print technology
- Available in any size from 6″ x 6″ up to 36″ x 24″
- Able to be cut to convex geometric shapes including circles, triangles and hexagons
- Equipped with clear, rust-proof grommets that won’t detract from the look of your sign!
- Completely recyclable when printed on – even with grommets!
Easy Signs is a leader in all things related to political signage. From campaign banners to candidate yard signs, we’ve got everything you need to promote your candidate and make sure your messages are heard and understood…loud and clear.
With excellent pricing, high-quality products, and a 24-hour production time, you’ll know you are getting the best in campaign signage when you shop with Easy Signs.
For readers in Texas, check out these Texas political yard signs rules for information on regulations in your state.
Start your order today and get ready for a successful election season!
