Are Your Political Signs Legal?

With just weeks to go until Election Day, political signs are popping up across Hopkins.

Signs are an important part of political speech, and state law overrides local rules from 46 days before the state primary until 10 days after the general election. During this period residents may post campaign signs in any size and number.

Still, campaign signs aren’t without some rules. The requirements keep lines of sight unobstructed and ensure workers can get to underground utilities and plows can clear the roads in the event of an early snow.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Signs may not be in the public right-of-way: Right-of-way varies from lot to lot. In general, use the following guidelines to ensure signs are properly placed:
  • In neighborhoods with sidewalks: Do not put signs in the area between the street and the sidewalk.
  • In neighborhoods without sidewalks: Place signs at least 10 feet from the edge of the street.
• Signs may not be placed on private land without the consent of the owner or occupant.
• Signs may not be on public utility poles.
  Residents may not paint campaign signs on rocks or natural features.

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our free daily newsletter | Check out Patch’s Pinterest boards