With election season upon us, you probably have noticed campaign signs on street corners and high-traffic areas throughout the city.
In addition to the public right-of-way, political signs may be placed on private property with the owner’s permission.
There is a state law (ARS 16-1019) detailing election sign placement, criteria and more. Here are some of the highlights for residents related to election signage.
Election signs can’t be placed in any location where they can be a hazard to public safety, obstruct vision, or interfere with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
Residents may contact Code Enforcement to determine whether or not the placement of a political sign constitutes an emergency warranting the sign's immediate removal or otherwise placed in a location that is hazardous to public safety. In these instances, Code Enforcement staff will notify the candidate or campaign that placed the sign of the violation. If the sign remains in violation at least 24 hours after a candidate or campaign was notified, Code Enforcement may remove the sign.
There are a few ways to reach Chandler’s Code Enforcement team:
- Text or call 480-782-4320
- Email Blight
Be sure to clearly identify where the sign in question is located, including a specific corner. An inspector will remove the sign and reach out to the candidate for pickup.
Also, each political sign must display the name, telephone number and website address of the candidate (or campaign committee contact). Residents also have the option to contact the candidate directly to report a hazardous sign.
It is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign of any candidate for public office. Residents are encouraged to not attempt to remove political signs themselves.
In addition, Chandler and other local jurisdictions may only enforce temporary sign ordinances based on the placement (location, manner, or size) of a temporary sign. Enforcement cannot be based on the content of the sign. This stems from a 2015 United States Supreme Court ruling (Reed vs. Town of Gilbert). As a result, Code Enforcement staff is unable to remove any temporary signs (regardless of content) until November, with the exception of any sign that is presenting a clear and imminent hazard to public safety.
As a reminder, campaign signs may appear in the public right-of-way until 15 days after the Nov. 5 general election, which is Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Code Enforcement staff will engage in an extensive effort to remove all temporary signage, including any remaining campaign signs, at the end of November, as they have done in previous election years
Residents with additional questions related to political signs may contact the City Clerk’s Office at 480-782-2181. For questions related to the placement of political signs along state highways, which is not allowed, please contact ADOT at 602-712-6664.
One final note — if you’re eligible, don’t forget to participate in this election and vote. More information about the Chandler City Council candidates and other election details are available at Chandler Elections.