As Minnesotans finish autumn chores and prepare for winter, many still have campaign signs displayed in their yards. State law sets clear limits on how long those signs may remain after an election, and local authorities are prepared to enforce the rules.
Statutory time frame
Minnesota Statute 211B.045 permits non‑commercial political signs of any size to be posted beginning 46 days before a state primary in a general‑election year. The same statute allows those signs to stay up until ten days after the state general election. After that ten‑day window, municipalities may require removal.
Local enforcement
City and county code officers can issue citations or confiscate signs that remain beyond the post‑election deadline. While jail time is unlikely, a fine or removal notice is a real possibility. In many communities, a police or community officer will make a friendly visit to remind residents to take down their signs.
Transportation department rules
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) adds another layer of restriction: campaign signs are never allowed on highway right‑of‑way, including shoulders, ditches, sight‑corner areas at intersections, and urban boulevards. MnDOT workers will remove any such signs they encounter.
What homeowners should do
To stay compliant, residents should:
- Mark the election calendar with the ten‑day post‑election removal deadline.
- Check local ordinances for any additional size or quantity limits outside the statutory period.
- Inspect property for signs that may have been placed on public right‑of‑way and report them to MnDOT if found.
- Remove all political signage promptly after the deadline to avoid potential fines or confiscation.
By following these steps, Minnesotans can keep their yards tidy, avoid unnecessary penalties, and focus on the upcoming winter season.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
