Board members putting up Political Signs

WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522

Posted:

For Decades our HOA had a no sign policy enforced even though NC law allows political/election signs.
So when I got on HOA board we revised the Rules/Regulations to follow the law.

However politics can be divisive. I really want a political sign in my yard showing other home owners it's allowed, but also think other people might be judgemental about the candidates I support. Is it a bad idea for a board member to have a political sign on their property?

Maybe I should stick to a social issue like better funding for education and teachers?

what yah think?

vis ta vie

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

What do your Rules (& state law) say about signs, e.g., is there a size limit? Can they be in front yards? Can they be made out of any kind of materials? Etc.?

Imo, you should do whatever you wish, understanding that if you want to run again for the Board, you may lose votes because of your political sign. It also is possible you might experience some kind of vandalism.

LayaS (Nebraska)
Posts: 249

Posted:

Wendy,

I would stay away from a presidential sign. There is so much division in the upcoming presidential election. Like Kerry said you may open yourself up to vandalism. I think it would be okay to put signage up for local and state elections unless there is a lot of division in those elections.

DeanJ
Posts: 1,786

Posted:

If you put up a sign supporting a library levy, you will be labeled a screaming liberal. 2024 is too crazy.

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Note for others: if you're in a condo, it isn't "your yard". It's common elements, of which everyone owns a fractional share. An owner has no more right to use that space than any other owner, and the association has the right to regulate signage on the common elements.

I think that, at a time when condo communities are increasingly stressed by deteriorating structures, inadequate reserves, and challenges in the insurance market, the last thing anyone needs is something that will increase divisiveness and make it harder for people to work together. But no one has ever accused humans of taking the longer view.

MarshallT (New York)
Posts: 414

Posted:

Unfortunately, because you are a board member, I would avoid putting up a political sign. Like you said, it will likely draw unwanted attention from other members. You could circulate a reminder that political signs are allowed though, especially since we are getting close to the presidential election.

WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MarshallT on 07/26/2024 7:54 AM
Unfortunately, because you are a board member, I would avoid putting up a political sign. Like you said, it will likely draw unwanted attention from other members. You could circulate a reminder that political signs are allowed though, especially since we are getting close to the presidential election.

maybe I'll put up a poltical sign for Trump and one for Harris to show people its ok to have them. Then they can't judge.

Of course I will get the anti free speech people bit***ing that they look bad, to which I'll educate them on the laws.

vis ta vie

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

So, Wendy, what are the rules about size, etc. for signs in your HOA's yards. Or does it just say: "Signs are allowed in owners' front yards?" Or?

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CathyA3 on 07/26/2024 5:02 AM
Note for others: if you're in a condo, it isn't "your yard". It's common elements, of which everyone owns a fractional share. An owner has no more right to use that space than any other owner, and the association has the right to regulate signage on the common elements.

I think that, at a time when condo communities are increasingly stressed by deteriorating structures, inadequate reserves, and challenges in the insurance market, the last thing anyone needs is something that will increase divisiveness and make it harder for people to work together. But no one has ever accused humans of taking the longer view.

It's common to see political signs in condo windows.

WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KerryL1 on 07/26/2024 10:36 AM
So, Wendy, what are the rules about size, etc. for signs in your HOA's yards. Or does it just say: "Signs are allowed in owners' front yards?" Or?

no more than 45 days before election and max size 2x2 ft if I recall. must be taken down 10 days after election. these are state laws.

vis ta vie

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

My high rise HOA is surrounded by and within a few blacks of dozens of high rises. It's extremely rare to see political or any other kinds of signs in condo windows. Like most, I think, our rules allow one sign or flag/banner in one window of a unit and the size is specified for each. Realtor signs in windows must be no larger than 4'X4'. But realtors rarely install them.

Perhaps Terri is talking about low rise condo buildings.

2" x 2" Wendy? Aren't they hard to read??/

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Whoops I meant 2' x 2'.

WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KerryL1 on 07/26/2024 2:48 PM
Whoops I meant 2' x 2'.

maybe its 3x3. no ones gonna measure them unless they are obviously too big anyways. just like no one measures how tall grass is till it's obiously too tall. Unless you live in South Carolina where it's 24" in unincoprated areas, b ut they will give you a ticket for 20".

vis ta vie

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By WendyM5 on 07/26/2024 8:44 AM

Posted By MarshallT on 07/26/2024 7:54 AM
Unfortunately, because you are a board member, I would avoid putting up a political sign. Like you said, it will likely draw unwanted attention from other members. You could circulate a reminder that political signs are allowed though, especially since we are getting close to the presidential election.

maybe I'll put up a poltical sign for Trump and one for Harris to show people its ok to have them. Then they can't judge.

Of course I will get the anti free speech people bit***ing that they look bad, to which I'll educate them on the laws.

Like Joker in FMJ with the Born to Kill and Peace button. The duality of man, I like that idea.

DeanJ
Posts: 1,786

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By WendyM5 on 07/26/2024 8:44 AM

Posted By MarshallT on 07/26/2024 7:54 AM
Unfortunately, because you are a board member, I would avoid putting up a political sign. Like you said, it will likely draw unwanted attention from other members. You could circulate a reminder that political signs are allowed though, especially since we are getting close to the presidential election.

maybe I'll put up a poltical sign for Trump and one for Harris to show people its ok to have them. Then they can't judge.

Of course I will get the anti free speech people bit***ing that they look bad, to which I'll educate them on the laws.

Or you creat rumors you have Dissociative identity disorder.

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TerriS6 on 07/26/2024 10:56 AM

Posted By CathyA3 on 07/26/2024 5:02 AM
Note for others: if you're in a condo, it isn't "your yard". It's common elements, of which everyone owns a fractional share. An owner has no more right to use that space than any other owner, and the association has the right to regulate signage on the common elements.

I think that, at a time when condo communities are increasingly stressed by deteriorating structures, inadequate reserves, and challenges in the insurance market, the last thing anyone needs is something that will increase divisiveness and make it harder for people to work together. But no one has ever accused humans of taking the longer view.

It's common to see political signs in condo windows.

Many condo communities in my area, including mine, regulate what can be displayed in windows as well. For example, our condos came with white blinds, which are required per our Declaration.

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By WendyM5 on 07/26/2024 8:44 AM

Posted By MarshallT on 07/26/2024 7:54 AM
Unfortunately, because you are a board member, I would avoid putting up a political sign. Like you said, it will likely draw unwanted attention from other members. You could circulate a reminder that political signs are allowed though, especially since we are getting close to the presidential election.

maybe I'll put up a poltical sign for Trump and one for Harris to show people its ok to have them. Then they can't judge.

Of course I will get the anti free speech people bit***ing that they look bad, to which I'll educate them on the laws.

You will get people pointing out that the First Amendment protects people from prosecution *from the government*. Private entities can and do restrict speech. This website is an example. There are rules about what we can say, and the moderators can remove posts and posters *at their sole discretion*.

Why are you trying to create problems in your community where none exist? Do you really not have enough challenges? Are the members not angry enough?

WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CathyA3 on 07/27/2024 4:34 AM

Posted By WendyM5 on 07/26/2024 8:44 AM

Posted By MarshallT on 07/26/2024 7:54 AM
Unfortunately, because you are a board member, I would avoid putting up a political sign. Like you said, it will likely draw unwanted attention from other members. You could circulate a reminder that political signs are allowed though, especially since we are getting close to the presidential election.

maybe I'll put up a poltical sign for Trump and one for Harris to show people its ok to have them. Then they can't judge.

Of course I will get the anti free speech people bit***ing that they look bad, to which I'll educate them on the laws.

You will get people pointing out that the First Amendment protects people from prosecution *from the government*. Private entities can and do restrict speech. This website is an example. There are rules about what we can say, and the moderators can remove posts and posters *at their sole discretion*.

Why are you trying to create problems in your community where none exist? Do you really not have enough challenges? Are the members not angry enough?

google NC chapter 47F political sign laws. Educate yourself, because you are incorrect. our HOA cannot restrict political signs and they illegally did it for year. Why are you on the side of anti free speech? is the real question?

vis ta vie

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

The First Amendment protects many forms of expression in HOAs. And HOAs are quasi-governmental entities. When a board is abusive, it's important to know what consumer protections there are.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By WendyM5 on 07/25/2024 7:59 AM

I really want a political sign in my yard showing other home owners it's allowed, . . .

Poor reason.

If you want a political sign to support your candidate (a good reason) - than ask the campaign for one (they will provide).

If you simply want to inform the membership, have the board send an e-mail or include an article in the Association newsletter.

If your worried about causing division in your community - it already exists with politics and (possibly) religion (hence the old saying don't discuss politics or religion as it's doubtful you will change minds and the conversations can often lead to anger.

See: We simply can’t discuss politics or religion – here’s the reason 2019 article

WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimB4 on 07/27/2024 8:11 AM

Posted By WendyM5 on 07/25/2024 7:59 AM

I really want a political sign in my yard showing other home owners it's allowed, . . .

Poor reason.

If you want a political sign to support your candidate (a good reason) - than ask the campaign for one (they will provide).

If you simply want to inform the membership, have the board send an e-mail or include an article in the Association newsletter.

If your worried about causing division in your community - it already exists with politics and (possibly) religion (hence the old saying don't discuss politics or religion as it's doubtful you will change minds and the conversations can often lead to anger.

See: We simply can’t discuss politics or religion – here’s the reason 2019 article

thanks

vis ta vie