Election Season: How and Why Communities Regulate Political Signs

Political signs often draw intense attention during election season. In a community association, displays supporting candidates or causes can quickly become a source of disagreement. Clear restrictions, resident input, and uniform enforcement can reduce conflict while helping preserve the community’s appearance and safety.

Start with the law and governing documents

Boards often regulate signs because visual clutter can detract from a community’s appearance, and poorly placed signs can create safety hazards. When developing sign rules, associations generally have broad control over common elements. Restrictions affecting private property, however, should be reviewed against applicable state and local law and the association’s governing documents.

Associations also should consult qualified legal counsel. State requirements vary. For example, North Carolina regulates association restrictions on election-related political signs, including sign size and the periods before and after an election when signs may be displayed.

There is no single rule that works in every community. An association’s governing documents typically take one of three approaches: they do not regulate signs beyond government requirements; they allow specified categories, such as security, for-sale, for-rent, or construction signs; or they prohibit signs on individual lots. 

Did You Know?

88% of community association residents vote in national elections, 83% participate in state and local elections, and 69% vote in their community association board elections. 

>>Find more data about community associations in The Foundation for Community Association Research’s 2026 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey.

Boards should avoid judging particular political messages or approving exceptions based on content. Apply the same objective standards to every sign, regardless of the candidate, party, cause, or viewpoint it supports.

Use reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions

When political signs are permitted by applicable law and association governing documents, communities may consider neutral rules such as:

• Allowing signs beginning 45 days before an election.
• Requiring removal within three days after voting ends.
• Prohibiting profanity without favoring any viewpoint.
• Limiting the number or placement of signs when necessary to prevent sight obstructions or other safety concerns.

Communicate early and enforce consistently

Invite community members to participate when restrictions are drafted or revised. Once approved, publish the rules prominently through email, the community website, newsletters, and entry signage. Clear notice helps residents understand expectations before campaign activity peaks.

Keep records of notices, photographs, dates, resident communications, and the resolution of each matter. Consistent documentation helps the board demonstrate that the rule was applied uniformly and gives future board members and community managers a reliable enforcement history.

Currently, 28 states have statutes addressing signs or flags that community associations must consider when adopting reasonable restrictions. CAI supports legally sound, fair, and equitable political and lawn-sign rules, paired with uniform enforcement procedures.

>>Read a message from CAI President Matt Ober calling for election season civility.