Political parties use election and political signs before, during, and after an election to get the word out about their candidates. But these signs need to be put up to keep people safe. If political signs are put up along the highway in the wrong place, they can distract drivers and put them in danger.
No matter how big or small, an election sign can only be put up after the election writ has been issued, and it must be taken down within seven days of the election date. Putting up election signs on state-owned highways requires a self-evaluation for each sign. On state-controlled roads, candidates are not allowed to build temporary shelters, tents, umbrellas, or any other structure.
Temporary election signs can’t be put in the highway’s right-of-way or within 660 feet of the edge of a “landscaped freeway” that can be seen from the road’s right-of-way. State law tells the Department of Transportation to take down Temporary Political Signs that are not allowed and bill the person who put them up.
Self-assessment menu
Candidates must meet all of the rules in this section (how long they can show their signs, how they are made, where they put them, and how long you can deliver them) and ensure they are in line with local laws about election signs.
Fill out this list for every election sign you want to put on a state-controlled road corridor. If you have more questions about meeting these requirements, you can get more information from your local roads office.
Rules on Sign Placement
- A person can put up election signs on fences as long as the owner or occupant of the property gives permission.
- Any candidate can put up election signs on the private property as long as the owner or occupant of the property gives permission. On personal property, election signs can’t be placed less than one meter away without the owner’s or occupant’s permission.
- Election signs can be put up on streets/roads or utility poles on streets/roads, as long as they are not in the way of traffic.
- A candidate can’t put up election signs on a median or island, close to a polling place, or without the consent of the owner or occupant of the property next to the median
Time to Show
Signs for municipal elections can be put up 25 days before the election. And provincial and federal elections can be put up as soon as the writ of election is sent out. On Election Day, signs must be taken down by their owner within three days after the polls close.
Taking steps to comply
By law Enforcement Officers look into complaints or tips about possible law violations, teach, or take action based on what they find. They might have to pay a fine if they obtain a ticket and are proved guilty.
Election signs on private property
The local government is responsible for election signs on private property and roads. A local government may also be in the order of election signs on roads controlled by the state. Contact your local government to find out what the rules are for private property or local roads.