Political signs supporting various candidates can be seen across the nation. However, did you know that California has specific election laws that regulate the distance these signs must be from voting centers and ballot drop-off locations?
As per the California Secretary of State’s Office, electioneering is not allowed “within the immediate vicinity of a person in line to cast their ballot or within 100 feet of the entrance of a polling place, curbside voting, or ballot drop box.”
This regulation covers actions such as soliciting votes for or against any candidate or measure, showcasing a candidate’s name, image, or logo, and obstructing access to or lingering near any ballot drop boxes.
Additionally, the election code specifies that circulating any petitions or distributing materials for or against any candidate or measure is prohibited. Furthermore, wearing or displaying any clothing (such as hats, shirts, signs, buttons, stickers) that features a candidate’s name, image, logo, or expresses support or opposition to any candidate or measure is not allowed.
NBC 7 discovered a residence in Hillcrest with a Harris-Walz sign positioned less than 50 feet from an official ballot dropbox. The homeowner, who preferred not to be interviewed on camera, mentioned that she hadn’t received any communication from the County Registrar’s office concerning the sign. Some individuals dropping off their ballots expressed that they were not troubled by the sign.
“I believe it’s their right to display their political preference sign, and in some cases, exceptions might be necessary for how that is handled,” stated Jules De La Cruz, who visited the Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library to drop off her ballot.
“It doesn’t bother me, but I understand why these regulations exist. There’s a distinction between someone simply having a lawn sign that reflects their political stance and more intrusive actions, such as confronting voters as they approach the polling area,” De La Cruz added.
According to the California Secretary of State, violations of the election code may lead to fines and/or incarceration.
