Although we tend to use the terms interchangeably, there are a differences between an election sign and a political sign. As the 2012 election begins to heat up, signs supporting candidates will soon dot our neighborhood lawns and people bearing their political opinions on signs will demonstrate at local and national rallies. There are some important differences between these two kinds of signs and the regulations associated with each.

An election sign typically features the name of an individual running for office: from a local sheriff to the POTUS. It may also express support or opposition for a proposition on the election ballet (“Vote NO on Prop. X!”). These signs are most often seen on private property supported by metal frames. An election sign is different from a political sign in that it is only relevant during the campaign period. Many cities have local ordinances that regulate the number of election signs allowed on private property and the amount of time they may be displayed. For example, the city of Atlanta only allows election signs to be displayed during the duration of the campaign and in San Jose, San Bruno and Tucson they must be removed 10 to 15 days after the election. There are also regulations in most jurisdictions regarding the distance between an election sign and a voting center on Election Day. Be certain to check your local regulations before displaying an election sign on your property.
 

In contrast, a political sign communicates an idea or opinion that is typically open-ended. Some examples include signs stating opinions about a war, gay marriage or environmental issues. Grassroots political organizers will often have political signs printed for rallies so participants can present a unified message. There has been significant legal controversy over individual’s rights to display these signs on their own private property. Many see any restriction on signs displayed on private property as infringement on the First Amendment.  Legal cases arguing this issue have gone all the way to the Supreme Court where precedent was set in 1994 with the ruling ofCity of Ladue v. Gilleo that yard signs are “venerable means of communication that is both unique and important.”
 

Whether signs are classified as an election sign or a political sign, they represent our right to express our opinions in a visual way. These signs can be very powerful: showing widespread support for a local candidate, promoting a new initiative or rallying a group of people to a common cause.