Campaign signs are one of the most visible aspects of a campaign. Frequently, over zealous campaign workers place signs where they violate city, county, state and/or federal laws. In some instances, illegal signs pose a threat to public safety, especially where they appear in intersections, medians, on bridges, utility poles or along side walks. Other times signs are placed on public property or private property without the owner's permission.

The Lancaster County Election Office receives many calls each year regarding political signs, and the laws that govern their use. This information has been prepared to inform candidates and political committees about the laws that govern the use of political signs. In addition, information is provided about the penalties for non-compliance and the various agencies charged with the responsibility of enforcing the rules and regulations governing political signs.

It is unlawful for any candidate for any public office, or for any person acting for or on the candidate's behalf, to fasten or attach in any manner whatsoever any political or campaign sign, poster, advertisement or notice upon:

• any curbstone
• any portion between any sidewalk and street
• any tree, post, pole, hydrant, bridge
• or other public structure within the limits of any street
• or upon any public property within the jurisdictional area of the city(which would include the 3 mile limit)

Similarly, it is unlawful to fasten or attach in any manner whatsoever any political or campaign sign, poster, advertisement or notice upon:

• any private wall, window, door, gate, fence or sign
• or any building
• or upon any residential property

without having first obtained the consent of the owner or agent thereof.

What are the penalties for violating the ordinances which govern the placement of political signs?

Minimum of $200 and a maximum of $500. (L.M.C. Section 22.05.210 - page 14)

Who should be called if someone is suspected of violating any of the ordinances governing political signs?

Complaints should be directed to the Dept. of Buildings & Safety at 441-7521 within the City Limits or County Engineer Maintenance Shop at 441-7797, if outside the city limits. Owners of signs will be notified. If they can't be located, signs will be removed.

How long can signs be posted?

Placement of signs is allowed 30 days prior to an election.

It is the duty of the owner of the property where such political signs are placed to remove them 10 days after an election.

How large can campaign signs be?

In residential areas signs can not exceed ten (10) square feet in area. In commercial, business and industrial areas signs can not exceed forty (40) square feet in area, or six (6) feet in height. Call Dept. of Buildings & Safety, 441-7521, if you question your area as to residential.

Where can signs not be posted?

No campaign signs, posters, political advertisements shall be placed within a highway's right of way. This includes intersections, medians, entrance and exit ramps, sidewalks, and the ditches and land that make up the right of way bordering the length of each highway. The "right of way" can often be visually determined by markers, fence-lines, or the placement of utility poles.

State Law (39-1302.06) expressly prohibits the erection of signs on the highway right of way. The penalty (39-1320.10) is a Class V misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100.00.

Campaign signs erected on the interstate and primary highway "right of way" will be removed without notice to the owners and stored at the nearest maintenance yard.

LB120 - Prohibits signs erected "off of the right of way" along interstate and primary highways without a Class III advertising permit from the State Department of Roads.

Large political signs must be placed on legally erected billboards. The Federal Beautification Act and Nebraska Outdoor Advertising Statutes and Rules and Regulations prohibit the erection of new advertising signs on the interstate or primary highway systems. The only exception is in the commercial or industrial zoned area along the primary highway system. In this instance, a permit from the Department of Roads is required. The fee for the permit is $15.00. Primary highways are 2, 6, 33, 34, 43, 77, L55W and L55X. The owners of illegally erected campaign signs which are not on the right of way, will be notified by mail to remove such signs.

Gary Prey, District Permit Officer, at the Nebraska Department of Roads Office at Superior Street, is in charge of the Advertising Control Program. If you have any questions concerning the placement of political signs along state and federal highways, call him at his office at 471-0850, Ext. 1132.

Campaign signs must be erected outside of an area 200 feet from the buildingof a polling place. In addition, all campaign workers and candidates must observe the 200 foot rule when handing out campaign literature and materials near the polls on election day.

In cases where political signs are being stolen or vandalized, depending on the jurisdiction, the Lincoln Police (441-7204) or the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office (441-7721) should be contacted to file a formal complaint.

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