Plus, many of those running for office like seeing their names in people’s yards - it’s an illustration of those residents sharing with the rest of the town that they’re invested in this candidate (or in many cases, this group of candidates).įor the first time this election season, the Philomath News will have digital versions of political signs through website advertising. But in short, I’ll agree that the signs are basically intended to create emotional engagement between the candidate and voter. Benton County has similar restrictions.īut do political yard signs work? I tried to read up on the topic and there seem to be strong arguments both ways. If you want more info, ODOT put out this press release. The Oregon Department of Transportation will remove any signs in those locations. One road that you can’t put a political sign on would be Highway 20/34 - at least in the right-of-way. Most are in front yards but some are in more creative locations. (As I’m sure many of you know, “Signs” really isn’t about actual signs … its lyrics were written during the Hippie generation that were basically an anti-establishment commentary on rules, appearances and so on).ĭriving around Philomath, I’ve seen a fair number of political signs - more for certain candidates than others. Naturally, those political signs that show up on people’s lawns are a popular option.

The political candidates are vying for your vote and want as much visibility as possible. You know the tune: “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind …” This is the song that pops into my head come election season. Among the vinyl singles that I kept alphabetized in a cardboard box back during my 1970s childhood, the Five Man Electrical Band’s “Signs” occupied a spot in my most-played stack of records.

Signs signs everywhere signs