03/28/2024
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By Erin Smith

The general election is over and local vote canvassing is complete. Some candidates still have signs displayed in the county.

According to North Carolina General Statute 136-23 (b), political signs are permitted up to ten days after the election. The statute reads, “During the period beginning on the 30th day before the beginning date of “one-stop”early voting under G.S. 163-227.2 and ending on the 10th day after the primary or election day, persons may place political signs in the right-of-way of the State highway system.”

Election Day was Tuesday, November 6. Under the General Statute, the signs should have been down by Friday. On Friday afternoon, at least one voter was asking why political signs are still displayed along some roadsides.

The voter, who asked not to be identified, said she understands that candidates place numerous signs throughout the county for the election and it is difficult to remember all of the locations. But some political signs seem to be in locations where they should have been noticed by the candidate or their volunteers.

Signs that are located on private property are a different matter. If they are located on private property, it is up to the property owner to remove them once the election has ended.

Many candidates have already removed their signs, but those who haven’t may find themselves in violation of the General Statute. The statute does not state what the penalty is for failing to remove the signs.

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