Campaign Signs Banned at the New Early Voting Spot for County

Fayette County Commissioners voted to ban campaign signs at the Meadows Building, which houses the Elections Office.

State law prohibits campaign signs from within 100 feet of a poling location. In previous elections, when the Elections Office was located inside the Courthouse, the County allowed campaign signs at the edge of the Courthouse lawn. Last year the County moved the Elections Office to the Meadows Building on Ellinger Highway in La Grange.

Elections Administrator Terri Hefner said the only location that could legally accommodate signs at the Meadows property is a small block of grass that measures about eight feet by eight feet.

At first, Commissioners discussed permitting signs on the space. Fayette County Republican Party Chairwoman Deborah Frank was at the meeting and raised a concern about fairness.

“We have ten candidates in contested races,” Frank said. “If we don’t have room for every candidate’s sign to be visible, then I don’t think we should allow any of them. The first candidate is going to come in and stick their sign up front, then what choice do the other have?”

“I think that most people going to vote know who they’re going to vote for before they walk up and see a sign, I would hope,” said Pct. 1 Commissioner Drew Brossmann.

Four candidates for County Judge attended the meeting: Republican candidates William Bernsen, Lori Berger and Craig Moreau along with Libertarian candidate Will Martin. County Judge Joe Weber asked for their input, and none of them opposed the idea.

Commissioners also voted to ban political signs on the Courthouse lawn, since voting no longer takes place at the Courthouse.