If you still need last-minute political signs to encourage voting, support your favorite candidates or promote your view on a constitutional amendment, make sure you work with a trusted print shop that knows the rules and regulations. While the city, county and state mandate ordinances about advertising in advance of the election, once voting opens, there are specific statutes about signage at the polling places, too.
Florida’s signage rules protect the integrity of the voting process and ensure a fair and unobstructed voting environment. Respecting these guidelines is crucial during elections.
The main rule to remember is: No person, political committee, group or organization may solicit voters inside the polling place or within the no-solicitation zone of the polling place.
According to the Florida Department of State, solicitation restrictions are covered in Florida Statutes 102.031. The restriction in this subsection does not apply where the polling room is in an area commonly traversed by the public to gain access to businesses or homes or in an area traditionally utilized as a public area for discussion. Exit polling is an exception to the no-solicitation law, and exit pollsters may approach voters only after voters leave the polling place.
“Solicitation” inside the polling place and within the no-solicitation zone includes but is not limited to:
Campaign signage must be placed at least 150 feet away from the polling place entrance. Think of that distance as the size of a tennis court or nine parking spaces. This buffer zone is marked by the Supervisor of Elections Office and is strictly enforced to prevent voter interference. These restrictions help ensure a neutral environment for voters.
Poll workers and law enforcement officers monitor compliance of signage rules. Violators will have their signs removed and may face penalties. The Supervisor of Election’s responsibility at any polling location is within the 150-foot no-solicitation zone. Activities outside of this zone are the responsibility of the local code enforcement office.
If you live in Leon County and have a complaint regarding the placement of a campaign sign, contact:
All candidates must make a good faith effort to remove their political campaign advertisements within 30 days after the candidate withdraws, is defeated or is elected to office. If political campaign advertisements are not removed within the specified period, a political subdivision or governmental entity has the authority to remove them and may charge the candidate the actual cost for such removal. For additional information, see Section 106.1435, Florida Statutes.
A local initiative between the Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office, the League of Women Voters, Leon County Government and Marpan has created a new program to recycle old campaign signs. After Election Day, voters and campaigns can drop off old campaign signs at bins located at libraries and other spots throughout the county in the weeks after each election. Locations can be found on the Supervisor of Elections website. The signs and the wire stands can be recycled into usable materials.
Whether you want signs to thank voters, support your candidates or promote your view on a constitutional amendment, Target Print and Mail has you covered. Work with our experts to create the perfect sign to last throughout the political season!
To best meet the needs of our clients, we do not require a minimum order for our signs. You can view our products on our website, call 850-671-6600 or email hello@targetprintmail.com to speak to a project manager.
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