In light of questions from voters and campaigns about sign damage and thefts, the elections office has released a list of guidelines regarding signs.
“They think we are an enforcement department so many people are saying we were told we should call you,” said Angela Curro, assistant clerk-recorder-auditor in San Benito County. “Unfortunately, our office has no enforcement capability.”
To clarify rules and authorities on removing signs, Curro sent out the following guidelines compiled from Caltrans and the Elections Code. The following are those guidelines:
1. The placement of political signs is regulated by State law and city ordinance.
2. Political signs must not be posted within the right of way of any highway or be visible within 600 feet from the edge of a landscaped freeway.
3. Authorized departments to remove signs are CalTrans, Hollister Public Works, and San Benito County Public Works. This is to respond to life endangerment or safety issues.
4. Political signs are placed not sooner than 90 days before the election and are removed within 10 days after that election.
5. Political signs are no larger than 32 square feet.
6. Signs placed on private property must have the consent of the property owner.
7. The theft or vandalism of political signs is a criminal offense and can be reported to law enforcement.
8. The Elections Department does not have the authority to enforce these matters and does not arbitrate disputes between campaigns.
For information about signs removed for safety reasons, contact the appropriate agency:
CalTrans: (916) 654-6473
San Benito County Public Works: (831) 636-4170
Hollister Public Works: (831) 636-4377
For Law Enforcement Issues:
In the City of Hollister:
Hollister Police: (831) 636-4330
All other areas: San Benito County Sheriff: (831) 636-4080
Contact information for candidates and campaigns is available via the Elections Office (831) 636-4016.
