Political Signs
Political Signs
| The use of campaign signs is a vital part of any candidate’s campaign. Minnesota statutes and local ordinances regulate the placement of political campaign signs. Find the links here for the MN Department of Transportation. and the Anoka County Highway Department that include more detailed information about political sign placement. |
| Statutory Sign Placement Restrictions |
| State statute prohibits placement of signs in certain areas including: |
| • Placement, painting, printing or affixing on any object within the limits of any highway;
• On private land without the consent of the owner or occupant; • On public utility poles; • On trees or shrubs; • By painting or drawing on rocks or natural features; and • Within the “right of way” or blocking the sight lines of drivers entering the highway or leaving the highway onto public streets or private driveways |
| Municipal Sign Placement Restrictions |
| Though the size and number of campaign signs cannot be regulated by municipalities, they can adopt regulations regarding placement of signs. Municipal contact numbers are included in the Campaign Sign Placement Fact Sheet |
| Determining Rights-of-Way |
| Rights-of-way vary from location to location and can be difficult for candidates and campaign workers to determine. The Anoka County Highway Department has prepared the following guidelines. If in doubt of the right-of-way at a specific location, contact the Anoka County Highway Department at (763) 324-3100. |
| Removal of Campaign Signs |
| Campaign signs determined to be in violation of local, state or federal law can be removed by state, county, or municipal employees with or without prior notice. Generally, when signs are removed, the signs are stored temporarily and an attempt is made to contact the responsible candidate or campaign. To avoid complaints and to ensure your signs are not removed, it is imperative that you share the Campaign Sign Placement Fact Sheet with your campaign workers. We encourage candidates to reproduce this fact sheet and distribute to campaign workers. |
| Disposal of Political Signs |
| Anoka County is committed to caring for our environment, and encourages candidates to recycle campaign signs whenever possible. This information sheet outlines recycling options and proper disposal methods of signs. |