Got Political Signs? Time to Clean Them Up

Now that the elections are over, it’s time to remove campaign signs from private properties. Here are the guidelines regarding signs for our local jurisdictions:

From the Washington State Department of Transportion for signs along state highways:

Campaign signs on property visible from state highways are allowed by Washington Administrative Code 468-66, but must be removed 10 days after the General Election. That 10-day period ends Friday, Nov. 16.

Failure to remove the signs after being notified by the Washington State Department of Transportation can result in a misdemeanor pursuant to Revised Code of Washington 47.42.080(2).

For more information about outdoor advertising signs, contact Pat O’Leary, WSDOT outdoor advertising specialist, at 360-705-7296 or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Operations/Traffic/Signs.

From the City of Issaquah:

Political signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after a voting day, except that signs promoting successful candidates in a primary election may remain displayed until ten (10) days following the immediately subsequent general election. Failure to remove signs may result in an assessment in the cost of their removal.

From the City of Sammamish:

Political signs shall be removed within seven (7) days following the election.

Property owners shall be responsible for the removal of political signs located on private property; the campaign officer or responsible official shall be responsible for the removal of political signs located on or within public easements or streets.

What to do with the signs?

Be sure to check with your local candidate to see if they want the signs back to recycle or to reuse in the next election!