When do political signs need to be removed after the election? What Charlotte laws say
Election Day is over, which means it’s time to clean up political signs scattered across the Charlotte area.
Some might be tempted to yank out all the signs they see, but according to North Carolina state law, you could be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor if you do.
However, campaign signs can be removed from state-maintained right-of-ways 30 days after an election since they are considered abandoned property, state law says.
This year, that’s Thursday, Dec. 5.
Depending on the town or city, you could be breaking the law for leaving campaign signs in your yard too long. Here’s how long you can keep your campaign signs up after an election.
When do political signs have to be removed in Mecklenburg County?
Each municipality within Mecklenburg County has its own laws regarding how long political signs can remain after an election. Here are the laws for each one:
Charlotte: Signs must be removed within 10 days after an election, Mecklenburg County Board of Elections Public Information Manager Kristin Mavromatis told The Charlotte Observer.
Cornelius: Signs must be removed within 10 days after an election.
Davidson: Signs must be removed within 10 days after an election.
Huntersville: Signs on property maintained by the town more than 30 days after an election are considered abandoned property and can be thrown away. Signs on private property must be removed within 10 days after an election.
Matthews: Signs must be removed within five days after an election.
Mint Hill: Signs placed in the right-of-way on state-maintained roads must be removed within 10 days after an election. Those that remain more than 30 days after an election can be thrown away.
Pineville: Signs must be removed within seven days after an election.
Stallings: Signs must be removed within seven days after an election.
The Charlotte Observer reached out to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections and North Carolina Board of Elections to learn how these municipalities’ rules work with the 30-day state law, but officials could not clarify how the laws connect.
What to do if signs are left up past the deadline
If signs are left up past the deadline, you can report violations to your local government. Visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website for links to file a complaint.
