• Research
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  • Center for Conservation Finance
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  • Center for Land & Water
  • Benefits of Parks
  • Brownfields to Parks
  • Park Equity & Public Health Toolkit

 

Posting Lawn Signs, House Signs & Billboards

Yard/house signs can give your measure visibility, improve name recognition, and signal to the public and the press that your campaign is gaining strength, neighborhood by neighborhood. Yard signs can also help generate awareness and enthusiasm in key precincts.

Before you print and post any signs, make sure you understand the local laws and regulations governing political signs:

• What are the size limitations?
• Where can signs be posted (yards, houses, public spaces, etc.)?
• When can signs be posted?
• When must they be removed?
• What disclaimer is required?

Your signs can be distributed to willing supporters by volunteer precinct captains or walkers throughout your community. When supporters are identified through the phone or walk program, ask them whether they are willing to post a lawn/house sign. The volunteer who identifies the supporter must make sure the sign is distributed in a timely manner. Carefully evaluate your volunteer resources before launching a sign program. If you don't have enough volunteers to identify supporters and deliver signs, printing costs will be wasted.

Signs can also be posted in public spaces by a sign company for a fee. Make sure the company understands the local signage rules (i.e., when and where political signs can be posted.) And be sure that the company is responsible for removing the signs once the election is over.

With respect to sign design, make sure your signs are easy to read by the driver of a passing car; keep the design and colors simple but eye-catching; send one clear message (e.g., "Protect Our Land & Water: Vote YES on Prop A").

Billboards are also a useful albeit pricey way to increase name identification. Make sure to check into availability early.