As you see more election campaign signs pop up in your neighborhood ahead of the midterm elections, law enforcement is reminding you about the rules surrounding them. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, political signs are allowed on private property with the landowner's permission as long as it does not exceed 32 square feet and have no flashing lights or moving parts. Like garage sale and real estate signs, political signs also cannot be placed within a highway right of way where they can be distracting to motorists or a safety hazard for road maintenance personnel. In recent years, political signs have been a flashpoint for vandalism in Door and Kewaunee counties. Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski asks the community to show respect for each other’s views during this time of year.
Joski says people violating sign placement rules will be warned before additional action is taken. The DOT says fines for improperly placed signs range from $10 to $500. The fines are even stiffer for those stealing or damaging a legally placed election campaign sign. Those guilty could be fined between $100 and $10,000 and up to nine months in prison. You can read more about this topic from Sheriff Joski below.
Picture of signs from 2020
FROM SHERIFF JOSKI
I have been asked to cover some issues related to election signs and what better time to cover it than during our current election season. We are so lucky to live in a free and democratic society where we get to choose our elected officials every two years, four years or some cases six years. We should be grateful for those who take the time and make commitment to put their name on ballot and serve our communities at all levels. Having said that, we need to respect the process by which these men and women promote themselves and their views in seeking these important offices.
One of the most visible signs that we are in fact in an election cycle is the presence of election signs either on private property or on rented bill boards. The tampering or outright theft of these pieces of property is just that; theft and it is just as much a violation as if any other personal property was stolen. In such cases, those individuals will be charged with both theft of property as well as criminal trespassing.
Wisconsin state Statute Chapter 12 governs those who are seeking public office and sets forth the restrictions and allowances in regards to campaign material. At a local level a few things to consider is making sure these signs are in fact on private property and not either on publicly owned property, or posted in the public right of ways along the side of roads.
Even when posting on private property it is common courtesy to ask permission before posting these signs. I actually had one land on my yard without my knowledge, so I promptly placed it in my garage and when the candidate asked where his sign was, I introduced him to this little courtesy.
While we may not hold similar views to all candidates or agree on some issues, we owe these candidates the respect that is due to them for putting themselves out and sacrificing their time and resources to make our communities stronger and engage in our democratic process. We also need to be respectful of those who post signage reflecting their position and beliefs on social issues. Just because you do not agree with them, does not diminish their personal or property rights. And of course, in sharing all of our beliefs, we should always remain dignified and respectful in how we communicate and engage in healthy debate.
There is no place for vulgarity or hatred, and we could definitely benefit from an increase in empathy and tolerance. This dignified and respectful exchange of ideas is what our nation was built upon and we must make every effort to uphold and strengthen the foundations that have allowed for free and open exchange of ideas throughout our nation’s history. Thank you to all who serve in elected office and good luck to those currently seeking office.
