Last ‘Dear PoP’ about Campaign Signs Until the Next Election

Photo by PoPville flickr user Sankofa Beads

“Dear PoP,

While walking back up New Hampshire Ave towards Petworth, I noticed many sporadically placed campaign signs stuck into the newly grassed median strip. This median, I assume, is public land. This being the case, is it legal in DC or any other places within the US to place a sign endorsing a candidate on public land. This seems to present an inherent conflict of interest, and can probably be likened to a ban on religious displays on public lands. Are there any lawyers out there who might be able to answer this? Some of those signs are such eye-sores.”

This is a very interesting question. According to DC Board of Elections and Ethics:

“The placement of campaign signs, posters, and placards on public property is allowed, however, a candidate must seek a proper permit from the District Department of Transportation Public Space Office.”

They also say:

“A sign, advertisement, or poster related to a specific event may be affixed any time prior to the event but shall be removed no later than thirty (30) days following the event to which it is related.”

It’ll be interesting to see how many are removed by Oct. 14th…