May 16, 2008

Size matters: Campaign signs violate the rules

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Name recognition plays an important role in the election process. Unless a voter takes the time to learn the platforms of candidates (as they should), the voter might just mark the ballot of the name seen most on signs around the neighborhood.

The signs are ubiquitous, posted on fences, lawns and private property. Signage is a common campaign tactic and candidates spend time and money choosing the appropriate colors, wording and locations.

But in their zeal to get their names displayed, they often forget to follow or blatantly disregard the rules. The city of San Jose has codes regarding signs of all kinds, but Municipal Code 23.04 specifically regulates election signs.

Jamie Matthews, division manager for Code Enforcement, says, “The City wants to support the democratic process while protecting against blight.” Code Enforcement does not look for violations, but will react to citizen complaints.

So far, Code Enforcement has received 20 complaints about election signs in District 8. The person’s name on the sign is responsible, regardless of who posts the signs. Once a complaint has been verified, a call or letter is sent to the candidate stating the sign must be removed within ten days or a citation for a $250 fine will levied.

Citizens who want to report a violation should call Code Enforce-ment at (408) 277-4528.

Basically, the rules are these: an election sign is any sign of any material that carries a message for or against an issue or candidate in an upcoming election, the sign cannot exceed 10 square feet in size, cannot be posted on public property, and must have permission to be on private property. There are other restrictions, such time limits for posting, listed in the Code found on the City’s Web site.

The candidates should have no excuse for violating the rules. Upon filing, the candidate receives a copy of the code, a letter about compliance and is assigned a Code Enforcement supervisor for questions.

The Evergreen Times has received comments from readers about violations and the indignation caused by candidates who flaunt the rules, nail signs to trees and utility poles or post on public property. When asked by the Evergreen Times, most candidates have said that if they have received a letter from Code Enforcement or citizens, they have responded promptly to remove signs.