Dear PoPville – Are Politicians Allowed to Put Campaign Signs on Your Lawn without Permission?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

“Dear PoPville,

I’d like to ask if there are any rules governing the posting of campaign signs on private property? If so is there an entity that I can notify of an unauthorized posting to fine the campaign?

Perhaps this is commonplace, but I came home to find a campaign sign had been displayed in my front yard without my permission. I called the campaign office [Tommy Wells] and the person answering quickly explained that they had sent an opt-out email to previous donors about posting signs on their property. I never donated to the candidate and can only assume that the previous occupant of my new home did. I would think that an affirmative consent from the property owner should be required to publicly express a political endorsement. I’m still an undecided voter but that sort of presumptive behavior leaves a terrible impression on me.

I am guessing this sort of thing is not actually regulated or enforced in DC, given the hegemony of the council to protect their own interests in electioneering practices, but on the off-hand their are possible repercussions I would like to pursue them.”