Signs Allowed 60 Days, Not 90, Before Election

Because of complaints from residents who call political signs “graffiti,” the City Council has restricted the placing of such signs to 60 days before an election.

Council members revised the city’s political sign that allowed placing of signs 90 days before an election.

The rule that calls for the removal of political signs no later than 10 days after an election will remain.

Also, a fine will be levied for every sign that is removed by the city. The fine amount has yet to be determined, and City Council members said they will act on that next month.

Some residents had asked for tougher restrictions and argued that the signs litter the city and become an eyesore when they are left months after an election. Others asked for an outright ban on campaign signs.

In an emotional display, council meeting regular Allan Morton called political signs “weeds of democracy” and the city’s action “passive.”

But council members said that tougher restrictions are not necessary. At election time, Councilwoman Julie Sa said, posting political signs is an exciting tradition that cannot be banned.