HENNEPIN — Every election raises the question of where political signs for advertisement can legally be placed. The correct answer is political signs can be placed on private property only after permission is granted by the property owner.
Along with this rule of thumb, there are also other important points to consider when placing political signs.
The Illinois Election Code clearly states no political signs or any form of electioneering can be done within 100 feet from the entrance door of a polling place. Placing a political sign on the right-of-way of state, county or township roads is also illegal. Some village and subdivision ordinances clearly state that no political sign can be erected within their boundaries. Lake Thunderbird has such an ordinance.
The representatives from the people who own utility poles (Ameren Illinois, formerly known as Illinois Power Co.) state they do not authorize any signs being placed on their poles. The signs pose a safety hazard to service personnel, and they will be removed.
Also, environmentalists encourage no signs be placed on trees.
It is clearly understood the candidates themselves do not place every sign, but it is the candidate who should be responsible for them if they are placed wrongfully, and it is the candidate who should take the necessary corrective action to insure his or her signs are properly placed.
These same rules apply to organizations which are proponents of or opponents to public questions being put forth to the voters.
For additional information, contact the Office of the County Clerk at 815-925-7129.