If you live in the great state of Georgia, you know that politics here are taken very seriously.
But what you may not know is the rules that surround various campaign marketing and promotional materials, particularly political campaign signs.
- Know the Law: Familiarize yourself with Georgia’s state and local regulations.
- Respect Boundaries: Always place political yard signs on private property with permission.
- Safety First: Position yard signs in a way that maintains visibility and safety.
- ― Understanding Georgia’s Political Signage Laws
- ― The Do’s of Campaign Yard Sign Placement in Georgia
- ― The Don’ts of Campaign Yard Placement in Georgia
- ― Navigating the Path to Political Success with Easy Signs
Georgia is a state where voters take great pride in their election procedures and process.
That said, it is important to know what is and isn’t acceptable when campaigning in The Peach State – whether it be on a small or large-scale electoral platform.
Understanding Georgia’s Political Signage Laws
In Georgia, the legal framework governing political yard signs is designed to balance freedom of speech with public safety and aesthetic considerations.
Compliance with state regulations is crucial to ensure that political expression does not interfere with the rights and safety of others.
While the following guidelines are helpful, you should always consult with the Georgia State Board of Elections to make sure you are up-to-date on all rules and regulations regarding political signs before you begin your campaign.
General Legal Framework Guidelines:
- Placement Restrictions: Political signs must not be placed on public streets, rights-of-way, or attached to public utilities or natural features.
- Attachment Prohibitions: Signs cannot be attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, or other objects in a manner that could cause damage or be considered littering.
- Visibility and Safety: Signs must not obstruct sightlines at intersections within the “Visibility Triangle,” which is defined as a 40-foot distance from the point of intersection of two right-of-way lines.
- Confusion with Traffic Devices: Signs should not resemble or obstruct traffic signs, signals, or be mistaken for traffic control devices.
- Right-of-Way and Public Property: Signs are not permitted within street right-of-ways or on property owned by the state of Georgia.
- Property Owner’s Permission: Placement of signs requires the prior permission of the property owner.
Compliance Guidelines:
- Public Safety: Ensure that political signs do not create hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
- Visual Harmony: Preserve the aesthetic integrity of communities.
- Legal Standing: Avoid legal challenges that can arise from non-compliance, as the Georgia Supreme Court has held that certain restrictions on political yard signs are unconstitutional.
- Transparency in Campaign Financing: Georgia law also requires disclaimers on political yard signs to identify the person or entity that paid for the sign, promoting an informed electorate.
By adhering to these guidelines, individuals and organizations can exercise their political expression responsibly, without infringing upon the safety and rights of others.
It’s important to consult with legal counsel or local authorities to ensure full compliance with the specific regulations in your part of Georgia.
The Do’s of Campaign Yard Sign Placement in Georgia
While many states have very similar laws surrounding campaign yard sign placement, the state of Georgia has some specific ones that you’ll want to know before you begin distributing your yard signs around your community.
Remember: You will want to check local laws to make sure you are up-to-date with all rules and regulations before you begin distribution.
When placing campaign political signs in Georgia, it’s important to follow the top “do’s” to ensure compliance with state laws and local ordinances.
Here are the key points to consider:
- Placement: Always place signs on private property with the owner’s explicit permission. Public rights-of-way, including roadsides, are not permissible locations for campaign signs.
- Visibility: Ensure that signs do not obstruct the view of traffic signs, signals, or create a hazard for drivers and pedestrians.
- Size: Adhere to size regulations and make sure they comply with state regulations.
- Timeframe: Display signs within the allowed timeframes, typically starting 30 days before an election and removing them within seven days after the election.
- Design: Use clear and legible text and graphics that are easily distinguishable from official traffic signs or signals.
- Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain the signs to ensure they are in good condition and securely placed.
- Legal Compliance: Include the necessary disclaimers and sponsorship information as required by Georgia law to promote transparency in campaign financing.
By following these guidelines, campaigners can effectively communicate their messages while respecting the law and public safety.
The Don’ts of Campaign Yard Placement in Georgia
Alongside the requirements you should try to meet with your political campaign signs, there are also some things you will want to avoid.
While any of these yard sign regulations are subject to change, here are some of the most common mistakes that any Georgia resident will want to avoid:
- Public Property: It is unlawful to place campaign signs on any public property or building without explicit permission from such owner of the property.
- Private Property: Similarly, placing signs on such property as private property without the owner thereof giving permission is always prohibited.
- Zoning Laws: Make sure not to place posters, yard signs, or other political advertisements in places that conflict with any zoning laws or code section ordinances, especially on a property zoned for commercial or industrial uses.
- Right-of-Way: Signs should not be placed within the rights of way of public roads.
- Utility Poles: Attaching signs to utility poles is often restricted and may be in violation of state election statutes and local ordinances.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Placing a campaign sign in a prohibited location can result in misdemeanor charges and/or penalties. Each sign placed illegally constitutes a separate offense.
Always consult with your Georgia city or county election officials to ensure that your campaign is following the most current regulations.
Remember, the key to avoiding these common mistakes is to always seek permission where required, respect public and private boundaries, and stay updated on local laws to ensure your campaign signs are placed legally and effectively.
Navigating the Path to Political Success with Easy Signs
As the election season heats up, the importance of clear and compliant political signage cannot be overstated.
Easy Signs stands at the forefront, ready to equip candidates with the tools they need to make their mark on the campaign trail.
From the bustling streets of local neighborhoods to the expansive lawns of federal campaign battlegrounds, Easy Signs offers a diverse range of political yard signs for sale tailored to fit any campaign’s budget and scale.
Proudly manufactured in the U.S., our signs are a testament to the democratic spirit that thrives within our nation’s industry.
Understanding Georgia’s political signage laws is crucial, and Easy Signs ensures that every candidate navigates these regulations with confidence. Reach out to our team today to get your election signs started.