Before You Plant That Campaign Sign… Read This First

​Election season brings yard signs—but where you place a campaign sign matters more than you might think.

In Illinois, the public right-of-way includes more than just the road you drive on. It also covers shoulders, ditches, sidewalks and those grassy corners at intersections. While they may look like open space, they're actually public easements reserved for transportation and safety.

That's why state law prohibits campaign signs—and any unauthorized signs—from being placed in the public right-of-way.

In Kane County, signs that block drivers' views, create hazards, or interfere with routine maintenance will be removed by the Division of Transportation.

Here are a few other rules to keep in mind:

• Campaign signs may only be placed on private property—with the owner's permission.
• Signs must be at least 100 feet from the entrance of a polling place.
• Posting signs on utility or electric poles is not allowed due to safety concerns.

Support your candidate. Just remember to keep the signs out of the right-of-way.