This latest Acadiana election seems to be one of the hardest-fought campaigns in recent history. Surely you've noticed the multitude of campaign signs at every turn. This got us thinking, how long can all of these signs stay up and, can a candidate actually get in trouble for not removing them?

Staff Photo/KPEL
Staff Photo/KPEL
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How Long Do Candidates Have to Remove Campaign Signs?

All across Acadiana, everywhere you turn there are political signs as far as the eye can see.

As you can imagine, there are quite a few laws and regulations when it comes to the dos and don'ts of campaign signs.

The placement of signs on public property, except on bus benches in the public right of way, and on private vacant lots unless the owner of the lot submits a form to the director of public works is prohibited.

Oversized campaign signs can be a costly venture for candidates if not adhering to Louisiana and city restrictions.

From shreveporttimes.com -

"Removal of any oversized fine is subject to a $100 fine. Violators will be fined $300 for a second offense. A third or subsequent office is subject to a $500 fine and the sign can be destroyed."

Political Sign Laws
Unsplash Via Michael Carruth
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The question is, how long will they stay there?

Can someone who ran for office get in trouble if they leave their signs out too long after the election?

Yep, they sure can.

If a candidate isn't in a runoff, the local sign ordinance gives campaigns just 10 days after the election to remove their signs.

If the signs are not removed, campaigns can be fined up to $250 per day.

Political signs are covered under local regulations for one-time events. The sign ordinance is part of Lafayette's Unified Development Code posted online and reads in part:

Temporary signs advertising a One-Time Event shall not be erected more than ninety (90) days prior to the initiation of the One-Time Event and shall be removed within ten (10) days following the termination of the One-Time Event.

 

With election day being this past Saturday, October 14, 2023,  if you see campaign signs around Acadiana beginning October 25, 2023, from a candidate that isn't in a runoff, it is indeed in violation of local regulations.

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