One of the surest indications that an election is under way is the abundance of brightly colored signs that seemingly fill every heavily traveled intersection, dot area roadways and sprout in front of numerous businesses and residences. There's nothing wrong with that. The signs are a traditional way to put one's name and candidacy before voters. There is something amiss, however, with candidates who allow their signs to remain in public view long after the election has concluded.
Some candidates know that and act quickly. Indeed, one person was picking up signs and placing them in a truck Friday morning at the intersection of Tennessee Avenue and 37th Street, a spot virtually forested with signs. A quick glance at the truck's bed indicated it wasn't the individual's first such stop on the morning after election day.
Not all candidates or their supporters are as quick to act. They need not be. While such speed is exemplary, Tennessee law provides a bit of leeway. It requires that all election signs on public property or rights of way be removed within three weeks following an election.
The law, to be sure, is almost never invoked. When it is, there is no real penalty attached. Still, the regulation is a useful one. It is an official reminder that those given the privilege of placing political signs in public venues before an election have a concomitant responsibility to remove them after campaigning and voting have concluded.
Not all candidates in Thursday's elections are required to pick up their signs within the three-week time frame. Those whose candidacies extend to the general election in November are permitted to leave their signs in public view without interruption.
That means that signage for Bill Haslam, Mike McWherter and independents seeking to become governor can remain on view. The same is true for Chuck Fleischmann and John Wolfe, candidates for the 3rd Congressional District seat, and for the handful of candidates in contested races for state offices. Still, given the number of candidates involved in just concluded local races, especially for the County Commission and for the school board, the prompt removal of signs should be counted as a community service.
Political signs arguably are a positive symbol of democracy in action. They also can clutter up the landscape, particularly in high traffic areas. Consequently, the removal of the signs in a timely manner improves the overall look of the community. Doing so should be the goal of all candidates for elected office, whether their recent campaign proved to be victorious or not.