Campaign season is back — along with street signs

Although there is no specific date that officially marks the beginning of the campaign season, several (if not all) of those who are running for office in November election have shown some activities residents could consider annoying, to say the least.

Aside from being a time residents typically enjoy vacation time with their families, summer gives voters a break between primaries and the general election. Frankly, the opportunity to avoid politics for a short time is almost worth the higher energy bills.

Those who can afford it, and have the desire to do so, can get even farther away, traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles away to visit family or simply to get respite from the heat.

But right after summer break, everything is back to normal, with parents rushing to buy school supplies and demanding children to begin going to bed early in order to prepare them for the return to class.

This also apparently is the official signal to local politicians to relaunch their efforts to conquer voter preference. That includes personal appearances, fundraisers and, of course, the sprouting of campaign signs.

Recently, I was surprised to find at least three different signs promoting candidates along Clark Road south of El Centro. The same signs appeared on the streets of Calexico.

One of the few exceptions has been the City of Imperial. Recently, local authorities warned candidates the period to begin posting signs in public ways starts 60 days before the general election.

The mandate is based on a local ordinance, according to the city.

I tried to find a state law governing installation of campaign signs and posters, but found nothing.

This means everything depends on local officials.

Politicians tend to be in a hurry to post their signs in order to be perceived as the front runner. The strategy doesn’t necessarily work, and sometimes can have the opposite effect.

In fact, I’ve heard complaints in the past about the early and abundant displays of political signage, and I’m inclined to believe that for every person willing to say something, there are probably plenty of others thinking the same thing.

Truth be told, advertising can be effective in reaching voters. And with the high and rising costs of campaigning and difficulties raising funds, it’s difficult to blame candidates and their supporters for wanting to do everything in their power to meet their political goal.

But in an overregulated state like California, it is surprising that our representatives have not set rules for campaign signs. I wonder why lawmakers have not addressed this issue. Perhaps, their motivation is non-existent in this matter because they also can take advantage of the lack of clarity.

It would be good if one of our representatives in Sacramento led an effort to control street propaganda by introducing a bill that sets norms for political advertising, such as establishing the date on which candidates can install their stuff on everyone’s streets, as well as specifying where signs can be installed and the deadline for their removal.

It would also be welcome a provision to fine violators, as well. And, if our elected officials are really serious, they might also add legislation to force candidates to avoid promoting false statements.