Rules for Political Signs

The Town of Carrboro’s Land Use Ordinance LUO, section 15-273(A-5) regulates how political signs may be displayed. 

These regulations state: “Signs erected in connection with elections or political campaigns. Such signs shall be removed within three days following the election or conclusion of the campaign. No such sign may exceed sixteen square feet in area. Such signs may not be attached to any natural or human-made permanent structure located within a public right-of-way, including without limitation trees, utility poles, or traffic control signs.” 

 Although there is no Town regulation for how early signs may be posted within Town limits and planning jurisdiction, please note all campaign signs should be removed within three days following the election. The Town does not remove any campaign signage unless it clearly violates the LUO as noted in the section above. Posting political signs outside of Town limits (such as in Chapel Hill or in unincorporated Orange County) is governed by the municipality’s rules and regulations.

Information on laws pertaining to signage from the State Board of Elections can be found here.

Tampering with Political Campaign Signs Is a Crime

The public is reminded that anyone who knowingly removes, alters, or defaces a campaign sign is guilty of a crime. It is a misdemeanor for a person to steal, deface, vandalize, or unlawfully remove a political sign that is lawfully placed.  

Those running for elected offices deserve the opportunity to display campaign signs in a legal manner without fear of damage or theft. 

The Carrboro Police Department encourages anyone who sees someone tampering with political signs, or has information regarding individuals who have stolen or defaced campaign signs, to contact 911 to file a report.