Purchasing Political Campaign Signs: Is It Allowed?

can i just buy signs for my own political campaign

Political signs are a staple in campaigning, especially in local, state, and national elections. They are an effective way to generate awareness and build name recognition for your campaign. You can buy signs for your own political campaign from various vendors, with some offering discounts on bulk orders. These signs can be customized with your name, picture, slogan, and more. You can also choose from different materials, such as corrugated plastic, aluminum, vinyl, and foam board, depending on your budget and needs. In addition to yard signs, you can also order banners, decals, magnets, and bumper stickers to promote your campaign.

Characteristics Values
Customization Text, photos, clipart, name, picture, slogan, etc.
Shipping Next-day shipping, standard shipping, expedited shipping
Quantity No minimum or maximum order quantity, orders accepted from 1 to 1,000
Discounts Quantity discounts, promotions
Design Templates, custom design, graphic designers, online design tool
Sides Single-sided, double-sided
Material Corrugated plastic, aluminum, vinyl, rigid plastic, foam board, wood
Accessories Wire stakes, stands, metal frames
Size Custom size, standard size
Location Yards, roads, fences, posts, storefronts, windows, cars

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Design and customisation options

There are many options available when it comes to designing and customising your political campaign signs. Firstly, you can choose from a range of sizes, with some companies offering banners that can be customised to any size you require. You can also select the number of sides for your sign, with single-sided signs being more suitable for display in windows or locations where the back of the sign won't be seen, and double-sided signs ideal for placement perpendicular to the road so that your message is visible to all passing traffic.

You can also choose from a variety of materials, with some of the most common options being corrugated plastic, aluminium, vinyl, rigid plastic, and foam board. Corrugated plastic is a popular and inexpensive choice, offering durability and weather resistance, while aluminium signs are more durable and long-lasting but may be cost-prohibitive for widespread use on the campaign trail. Vinyl banners are versatile, affordable, and can be used outdoors in most weather conditions, while rigid plastic and foam board signs are great for temporary indoor use at rallies and events.

In terms of customisation, many companies offer pre-made templates that you can edit to include your desired text, photos, clipart, or logos. Some companies also allow you to upload your own print-ready design file, ensuring accuracy in colours and dimensions. You can also design your sign from scratch, giving you full control over colours, fonts, text, images, and other design elements.

It is important to consider the placement of your signs and the relevant rules and regulations. Roadside signs need to be reasonably large to be noticed by passing drivers, but not so big that they block drivers' views. The size of your text should be approximately 1" in height for every 10' of desired viewing distance. Additionally, be sure to check local laws and regulations regarding the placement of signs along roads and in public spaces.

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Materials and durability

The materials used for your political campaign signs will depend on your budget, how long you want them to last, and where you plan to place them. The most common and inexpensive material for political signs is 4mm corrugated plastic, which is durable, weather-resistant, and can last 12–18 months. Corrugated plastic is also lightweight, easy to set up, and can be displayed using wire stakes that slide into the fluting of the sign and are then pushed into the soil. This material is compatible with both digital and UV ink printing methods, which will make your message pop and prevent your signs from fading in the sun.

If you need your signs to last longer, aluminum is a more durable option that can withstand outdoor conditions for years. Aluminum signs are typically used for long-term displays, such as in a campaign office, rather than on the campaign trail, as they can be cost-prohibitive. To display aluminum signs, black metal sign frames are recommended, which are easy to assemble by sliding the signs into the provided slots.

Vinyl banners are another option for political campaign signs, especially if you want to place them on fences. Vinyl banners can be maintained by wiping off stains and dirt with a damp cloth and can be stored away for reuse. For deeper cleaning, they can be washed in cold water without the use of chemicals or hard detergents to prevent fading.

Other supplementary signage types include mesh banners, fabric banners, feather flags, and foam boards. Pop-up tents and step-and-repeat banners are also available and can be easily assembled and taken down at events.

When creating your political campaign signs, it's important to consider the size, placement, and regulations surrounding them. Most states have laws and regulations regarding the size, placement, and timeframe of political signs, and you should also ensure that they do not obstruct people and public spaces.

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Placement and local regulations

When it comes to the placement of your political campaign signs and complying with local regulations, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, the right to communicate political preferences through yard signs is protected by the US Constitution. However, states and local communities may still regulate the placement and removal of these signs, so it's important to be aware of the specific regulations in your area.

Most state and local regulations pertain to the placement of signs and who is authorised to remove them. It's worth noting that every state and locality may have slight variations in their political yard sign regulations, so it's essential to refer to the specific guidelines in your state and community. For instance, in California, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is crucial for political sign placement. Temporary political signs in California must adhere to specific criteria, such as not exceeding 32 square feet in size and maintaining a certain distance from highways and landscaped freeways.

Another important aspect to consider is the proximity of polling places. While the US Supreme Court has ruled that local governments cannot regulate a sign solely because it is a campaign sign, regulations regarding polling place proximity may differ. For example, Minnesota has strict laws prohibiting the display of campaign materials or the solicitation of voters within a certain distance of a polling place.

To ensure compliance, it is recommended to obtain proper permission from property owners and respect their rights. This is particularly relevant when placing signs on fences and posts, where the consent of the property owner is typically required. Additionally, it is essential to avoid placing signs in a way that obstructs visibility for pedestrians and drivers or poses safety hazards.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that it is generally illegal to remove a political sign that has been lawfully placed. Tampering with or removing campaign signs can lead to charges of property damage, trespassing, or theft. However, local municipalities retain the right to remove signs that violate local regulations.

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Quantity and pricing

Political campaign signs are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and designs, with prices varying accordingly. While some companies offer discounts for bulk orders, others provide discounts for specific materials, such as corrugated plastic.

SignsOnTheCheap, for example, offers quantity discounts with price breaks at quantities of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100+, allowing you to pay less per sign as your quantity increases. They also offer a 55% discount and free shipping for orders over $99. Similarly, Super Cheap Signs recommends ordering a large quantity to take advantage of quantity discounts, suggesting that you start with an order large enough to get a discount without breaking your budget.

The cost of your campaign signs will also depend on the materials used. Corrugated plastic, for instance, is a popular and inexpensive option, often used for temporary political signs. It is durable, weather-resistant, and easy to display with wire stakes. Aluminum signs, on the other hand, are more expensive and long-lasting, making them suitable for commemorative signs or long-term display in a campaign office.

Other factors that influence pricing include the number of colours used and the size of the sign. Larger signs placed near high-speed intersections will typically be more expensive than smaller residential yard signs. Additionally, some companies offer free design services, while others may charge extra for custom designs.

When considering quantity and pricing, it is essential to keep in mind the regulations and restrictions regarding the placement of political signs in your area. Ensuring compliance with local laws and placing your signs strategically will help you maximize the impact of your campaign without incurring unnecessary costs.

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Shipping options

When it comes to shipping options for your political campaign signs, there are a variety of choices available to meet your needs. Many companies offer expedited shipping options, including next-day shipment, to accommodate the fast-paced nature of political campaigns. This ensures that you can get your signs delivered quickly and start promoting your campaign without delay.

Some companies provide a range of shipping options at checkout, allowing you to select the delivery timeframe that best suits your requirements. You can choose from standard shipping, which typically ships via ground transport, or opt for faster options like second-day air or even next-day air delivery. This flexibility ensures that you can balance cost and speed according to your campaign's needs and budget.

It is worth noting that some companies have specific conditions for their expedited shipping services. For instance, "Ships Next Day" or "Ships in 24 Hours" often refers to business days and may apply only to orders placed before a certain time, such as 4 PM CST. Additionally, these expedited shipping options might be restricted to certain geographical areas, such as within the contiguous United States, and may exclude certain types of products or large quantities.

To save costs, some companies offer free shipping for orders above a certain amount. For example, Signs.com offers free shipping for orders over $99, excluding certain types of signs and freight shipping. Similarly, Best of Signs provides free Super Saver Shipping when you subscribe to their newsletter. BannerBuzz also offers a similar promotion, giving you a 20% discount on your first order and free Super Saver Shipping when you subscribe to their newsletter.

When considering shipping options, it is important to review the details provided by each company, as shipping times, availability, and exclusions may vary. By selecting a shipping option that aligns with your campaign timeline and budget, you can ensure that your political campaign signs arrive when you need them to effectively promote your message.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can buy signs for your political campaign.

Yard signs are the most common type of sign for political campaigns. They are cheap, simple to set up, and easy to display. Banners are also commonly used as they are affordable, versatile, and can be used to display campaign information at rallies, events, and storefronts.

Corrugated plastic is the most popular material for political signs. It is economical, easy to set up, and typically lasts 12-18 months. Aluminum is another option, though it is more expensive, and better suited for indoor use. For banners, vinyl is a good choice as it is durable, affordable, and versatile.

Your sign should include your name, picture, and slogan. It is important to choose a beautiful, unique, and eye-catching design with readable fonts and complementary colors.

There are many companies that offer political campaign signs, including Signs.com, Signs On The Cheap, Super Cheap Signs, BuildASign, and BannerBuzz.

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