A Sign of Respect?

By Laura Lombardi

With the primary election a couple of months away, I asked the City of Wellington and Sumner County for clarification around the placement of campaign and political signs.

First, the state does not allow signs to be placed in an easement on state roadways.

By Kansas law (K.S.A. 25-2711), political signs can be placed on private property 45 days prior to an election. That means to be in compliance, candidate signs for the August 4 Primary Election can be installed no earlier than June 20. Signs then must be removed by August 6, 2026.

Cities and counties may regulate the size and setback distance for the placement of signs so they do not impede sight lines or create safety concerns.

The City of Wellington does not allow signs on any city-owned property. That includes streets, rights-of-way, parks, trees, and utility poles. The City may remove improperly placed signs, and non-compliance could result in fines.

Campaign signs are often a candidate’s first chance to make an impression on voters. While the rules governing when and where they can be placed are simple, they exist for a reason. Following them demonstrates respect for property owners, public spaces, and the community as a whole.

After all, if a candidate is asking voters to trust them with public responsibilities, paying attention to the small details along the campaign trail seems like a reasonable place to start.