Election Day is over in California. Who's responsible for removing campaign signs?

Angela Rodriguez, The Sacramento Bee on Nov 11, 2024

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Election Day is officially over in California, but you may still be noticing campaign signs in yards and along roadways.

California has specific rules and guidelines for removing and properly disposing of these signs.

Here’s what you need to know:

Who is responsible for removing campaign signs in California?

Only private property owners or authorized campaign staff are allowed to remove political signs in California.

When should political signs be removed after elections?

According to California Business and Professions Code 5405.3, political campaign signs must be removed within 10 days after Election Day.

Since the 2024 general election was held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, private property owners and authorized campaign staff have until Friday, Nov. 15, to take down signs across California.

Can I face penalties for removing campaign signs?

Removing campaign signs without consent of the sign owner is against California law.

A person caught removing someone else’s campaign sign can be considered in violation of California Penal Code 488, according to the city of Lake Forest’s website.

The person can be charged with a misdemeanor, which occurs when someone steals property or services worth $950 or less, according to Shouse California Law Group.

A violation of this statute is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in county jail.

How can I dispose of campaign signs?

Several California waste services, including Napa Recycling & Waste Services and Stockton Recycles, advise that campaign signs should be properly broken down before disposal.

“Break down the sign by detaching the metal wire stand from the sign itself,” the websites say.

The steel wire stand can be recycled with scrap metal or saved for future use, such as for promoting a special event.

Paper and rigid plastic signs can be placed in the recycling bin, while soft plastic film signs should be thrown away in the trash.

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