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Most states have some sort of rules and regulations governing political yard sign placement and usage…
And Pennsylvania is certainly no exception.
In Pennsylvania, political posters and signs posted within a reasonable time of the elections are considered a form of protected speech.
That said, it will still be important to know the ins and outs of the rules that govern political signage in Pennsylvania before you launch your candidate’s campaign.
- Political yard signs are a vital tool for voter engagement and campaign visibility in Pennsylvania elections.
- Pennsylvania has specific legal regulations for the placement and timing of political yard signs to ensure fair campaigning.
- Understanding and adhering to these state guidelines is crucial for effective democratic expression through yard signs.
- ― The Role of Yard Signs in Pennsylvania Politics
- ― Freedom (Within Reason): Understanding Pennsylvania’s Political Sign Governance
- ― Elevate Your Pennsylvania Campaign: Partner With Easy Signs for All Your Signage Needs
If you are in the process of trying to determine what you can and can’t do in Pennsylvania as far as political campaign signs are concerned, then you’ve come to the right place.
Like most states in the U.S., Pennsylvania has some specific guidelines that regulate the use of political yard signs.
Let’s delve deeper into what these are and how they may affect your campaign efforts in the Keystone State.
The Role of Yard Signs in Pennsylvania Politics
For years, yard signs have played a significant role in Pennsylvania politics, both historically and in modern times.
Let’s look at the impact they’ve had and the role they will continue to play well into the future.
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Historical Context of Political Signs in Pennsylvania
Before the advent of social media, yard signs were already a form of political expression.
In fact, Pennsylvania’s history of political yard signs may trace back to 1824, when John Quincy Adams had signs printed for his presidential run.
These early signs were a way to increase name recognition and garner support…much like we use political lawn signs today.
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The Use of a Political Sign Today
Yard signs remain a powerful tool for boosting a candidate’s visibility.
Such signs still play a big role in contributing to the name recognition of a candidate, which is crucial for voters to identify on the ballot.
Each time someone sees a campaign yard sign, it’s a step toward raising that candidate’s name recognition and helping voters identify what they support and stand for.
Here are some other big benefits of using political signs today:
Cost-Effective Advertising:
Yard signs are extremely affordable compared to other campaign tactics.
While they don’t replace all other campaign advertising, they provide a high-quality and cost-effective way to reach a broad audience.
Spending resources wisely is essential, and yard signs allow campaigns to allocate funds to other impactful strategies they may need during the campaign season.
Community Engagement:
Above all else, one thing is clear: political yard signs foster a sense of community.
When supporters display signs in their yards, it creates a visible network of like-minded individuals.
Every passerby will notice this collective support, thus sparking conversations and connections amongst neighbors and friends.
And this type of community engagement is vital for building momentum and enthusiasm around a campaign.
Visibility:
Well-designed yard signs will make a candidate’s political signs stand out from the crowd. Using bold colors, clear fonts, and compelling imagery will make your campaign signs stand out.
Signs designed with these factors in mind will capture your voter’s attention, especially in private and public property areas where people gather.
A yard sign that is visibly memorable will leave a lasting impression on everyone who sees it. And…it may just sway their vote.
Social Media Amplification:
One of the best things about political yard signs today?
These compact and easy-to-use campaign tools can now extend beyond their physical locations.
The best-designed yard signs will encourage your candidate’s supporters to take pictures with your campaign signs and share them on social media, using your campaign hashtags and handles.
When designed right, your candidate’s yard signs will move well past the neighborhood and into many people’s social media feeds. It’s hard to imagine a better campaign marketing strategy than that!
Freedom (Within Reason): Understanding Pennsylvania’s Political Sign Governance
In Pennsylvania, the legal framework for political yard signs is designed to balance our freedom of speech rights with community standards and safety.
Political signs are generally considered a form of protected speech, especially when displayed within a reasonable time of elections and in the appropriate places, like private property and/or with consent.
However, there are several nuances to the rules around political signs in Pennsylvania:
- Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs): While political signs are protected under free political speech, HOAs in Pennsylvania may have their own rules that restrict or prohibit the display of political signs on certain types of private property, even if the property owner wants to do something different.
This level of restriction is based on the fact that HOAs are not considered government entities. This means that restrictions by an HOA do not violate the First Amendment as interpreted by the Supreme Court of any state. - Zoning Laws: Any government action (like zoning laws that impose a ban on temporary political signs within residential areas) is likely to be deemed unconstitutional.
However, size restrictions on campaign signs and permit requirements are usually subject to rigorous scrutiny in Pennsylvania. - Right-of-Way: In Pennsylvania, political signs cannot be placed within a highway right-of-way, median areas, or attached to traffic control devices.
Placing campaign signs in areas such as these can distract drivers and block sight lines. - Polling Places: On Election Day in Pennsylvania, campaign signs must be located at least 10 feet away from the entrance of a polling location.
They also can’t block fire hydrants or any areas that are considered necessary for emergency personnel to be able to access a building that’s in use.
Note: The rules and regulations around campaign signage can change quickly. Please make sure to check out your state government websites for any updated information on political yard sign usage before you begin your campaign.
Elevate Your Pennsylvania Campaign: Partner With Easy Signs for All Your Signage Needs
While Pennsylvania does have its own set of specific rules regarding campaign signage, they will be easy to navigate…especially when you have a signage company like Easy Signs on your team. If you need more guidance on how to get political yard signs in Pennsylvania, our team can help you navigate the local regulations.
At Easy Signs, we are well-versed in the rules and regulations surrounding campaign signage in all 50 states.
Our team can help you navigate any rules that apply to your specific state and make suggestions for ways to ensure your campaign signs bring success to your candidate’s election day.
We also know that cost and quality are both important factors when you are choosing political campaign signs.
This is why we offer signs that are:
- Printed on our best quality Signflute™ Corrugated Plastic material
- Made with UV and weather-resistant printing
- Printed in amazing full color using Latex digital print technology
- Available in any size from 6″ x 6″ up to 36″ x 24″
- Able to be cut into convex geometric shapes including circles, triangles and hexagons
- Equipped with clear, rust-proof grommets that won’t detract from the look of your sign!
- Completely recyclable when printed on – even with grommets!
When you’re ready to begin your campaign, Easy Signs is ready to help.
Reach out to us to get started with your best campaign yard signs yet!
