When Do The Yard Signs Show Up?

[orleans]

I did a little experiment with this before the primary and when these yard signs show up in full swing again i'll be able to do a follow-up.

i sent three pages of information on the voting record of judy biggert (r) from the 2005 nonpartisan congressional scorecard along with a letter (two sided) to 118 addresses that displayed a yard sign for her. this was back in february before the primary.

i did not make the effort to drive by everyone's house after the letter was sent--but the houses i did pass kept the yard signs up.

but then i understand people make a commitment to these signs. so...my intention altered a bit (from trying to get people to take the signs down to influencing people not to put them up for the general election in november).

so the second half of my "experiment" will entail checking to see which addresses did not put the signs out for the general.

so...when do people start putting signs up to begin with? anyone know?

[davsand]

1. A lot depends on the construction of the sign.

The typical cardboard sign doesn't hold up as well in rain and sun so they will go out later--closer to the election. The larger display signs (typically a heavier construction and more durable materials) or the plastic ones go out a bit earlier because they don't sun fade or get soggy when it rains.

I'm seeing some signs going out (and being picked up from the HQs) now, but most that are out now are for local races rather than the statewide candidates. I am also seeing a few Congressional signs out now too, now that I think of it...



Regards!


Laura

[sueh]

2. Depends on several factors...

If towns in the district have ordinances that regulate when signs can go up (x number of days prior to primary or general election-my village's ordinance says no earlier than 30 days and must be removed within 7 days after the election. Of course, that appiles to signs that are placed in the ground. So, right now I have a small sign in my window.

Also, if there are ordinances that require the candidate to pay a "sign permit fee" to the town. In my village the fee is $50 for the primary and $50 fore the general. Not really a serious violation and the most common method of detection is a resident who doesn't like your candidate who calls the village hall to complain.

And, last, but not least, is when the signs are actually available. I have not received word from my candidate that his signs are ready for us to pick up and distribute. It has to do with money and when the signs can go in the ground.

Judy Biggert can probably afford to have a lot of signs, so I'd start looking 30 days before the election.

[borlis]

3. I have already seen a few Kirk and Sweeny signs

here in Lake county.

[Bridget Dooley]

4. If you are looking to influence voters...

...why not knock on these folks' doors and have a polite diologue with them? That is the best way to influence voters.

Even better, put your paper to better use and send your information to the folks who don't have signs in their yard. Folks who might be more persuadable. Add information about Joe Shannon and put contact information to contact you for a Shannon sign ;).