SALISBURY, Md. - Election day is coming quickly, which is why the City of Salisbury is reminding locals of rules regarding political signage.
“With the campaign season in full swing, we wanted to provide some guidance on sign placement on public/city property, utility easements, and other spots that campaigns and supporters often place signs, and how we will respond when we receive complaints about signs,” Director of Housing and Community Development Muir Boda said.
Though the city admits that civic engagement is important in the city's success, it is also important that the public follows these rules regarding the signage.
The city defines a political sign to be one meant to influence the action of voters, whether its for passing or defeating any type of measure, or its for nomination, election, or defeat of any candidate.
The city says these signs must:
- be no more than 32 square feet in area
- be at least 15 feet from the curb on a privately owned lot OR
- 15 feet from the curb if the building is more than 30 feet from the curb
- not be put up more than 90 days before the nomination, election of referendum
- removed within seven days after the election or referendum
- nominations are not included, those may be displayed until the final election.
Boda says that the city will be using a consistent and fair method to enforce these rules. Any violations will have 24-48 hours to respond, whether its a request to move a sign or to remove it altogether. Boda says that after that time, Housing and Community Development will remove the sign themselves, with it availible for pickup at their office later.