The campaign season is in full swing, with everybody trying to get his or her name out there.

While every candidate wants that ideal location, statutes must be followed for political sign placement. It’s important to educate campaign volunteers about what they can and cannot do.

Signs cannot be placed on road right-of-ways. This means they cannot be placed on any public property, along roads or in the grass strip which lies between a road and sidewalk. Signs placed closer to the road may serve to be an obstacle for mowing or other activities and a distraction for drivers.

Signs may be placed on private or commercial property if permission has been granted by the property owner.

Signs must be placed a specific distance from the center of the road: on county roads, signs must be 50 feet from the center of the road; on city streets, signs must be 30 to 35 feet from the center of the road, off the boulevard; and on state highways, signs must be at least 50 feet from the center of the road.

There must be a disclaimer on each sign stating the person or committee who prepared and paid for the advertisement as well as their address. If a disclaimer is not included in the advertisement, the parties involved will be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Any violation will lead to the removal of signs.

That can be costly for campaigns, not only in terms of signs that are lost, but also in terms of the candidate not getting the intended exposure.

It’s a lot to remember, but a campaign will go much smoother if everyone follows the rules.

Educate your volunteers. And if you’re a volunteer, please follow the rules. For the good of your candidate.