Is banning election posters a wise idea on behalf of Louth County Council?
RECENT proposals to ban election posters have been questioned by first time Mid Louth local election candidate John Sheridan.
“I think everyone is increasingly conscious of the environment and reducing single use plastics and that many people across the county, particularly in community organisations, often have to deal with the fallout from stray posters and cable ties. So, I can see where people may see this as a positive step. Secondly of course, nobody can doubt elections have changed and technology is playing an increased role.” the Fianna Fáil candidate said.
“My first question to those proposing the ban, in the absence of alternatives, is what message does it send in relation to open and transparent democratic local elections? Is seeing the faces of the people hoping to be our locally elected representatives put up a good thing for the electoral process? We are looking more and more at the rise of keyboard warriors, echo chambers and fake news and I wonder does shutting down an entire method of political communication help promote public engagement and free and fair elections?
“The provision for postering is quite clear in the Electoral Act. I would question what are the legal implications for Louth County Council here if a ban was introduced and has sound Constitutional legal advice been sought on the matter?
‘I know Kerry County Council ended up in the Supreme Court after the last local elections over a local interpretation of the electoral act and incurred legal costs amounting to a six figure sum arising from that. I think that should be the first thing considered here to avoid a possible costly legal case in the future. Every voter I’ve spoken to could think of a number of more important things in their areas that Louth County Council money could be better spent.
“The law is very clear that posters must be taken down seven days after polling day and thereafter litter fines apply for posters still up. I know other countries have designated spaces with all candidates having equal spaces to put up posters and this actually might be a very sensible thing to be trialled nationwide. I think it’s quite clear that evidence shows in the past posters have helped engagement and turnout. In local elections, where boundaries often change, posters can help in clarifying boundaries for everyone.
“I would also say that mass poster campaigns doesn’t equate to votes either. I think we saw in the two most recent referenda, that excessive postering by one side didn’t result in that side winning; but most certainly the posters were a major source of public debate and did shape the narrative of the debate.
“So ultimately, while nobody likes to see excessive postering across the landscape and everyone certainly want to reduce use of single use plastics, I would query are proposals for a ban in Louth going to have completely unintended consequences for politics locally.’