Property owners have rights during the political season
If you've driven through Moses Lake or your community lately, it's likely you've seen the plethora of political signs reminding people to vote for a certain candidate.
Election volunteers have done an admirable job of covering various corners of Grant and Adams counties, and the Columbia Basin at large, with brightly-colored, vibrant political signs. Many feature large photos of a smiling, confident candidate. Many of the signs are professional-looking, attractive and likely cost someone a considerable amount of money to create.
We can appreciate the work and effort that comes with driving to the more remote parts of the Basin and trekking through our area's urban areas seeking just the right spot for a sign. It takes passion, commitment and drive to volunteer your time and money for a political candidate and cause.
At the same time, we want to remind property owners of their rights. Private property owners are not required to allow elections signs on their land, in front of their homes, or on their farm land. If you don't want a political sign on your property, call the candidate and have it removed.
Regulations vary for city-owned property and state right-of-ways, depending on the agency.
In Moses Lake, political and candidate signs can be placed at the following locations: the grassy areas at the intersection of West Broadway Avenue and Third Avenue (referred to as the Kwicky Corner), near Pioneer Way and Elder Street (known as Five Corners), adjacent to West Broadway and East Broadway Extended, adjacent to state Route 17 and Grape Drive, adjacent to Marina Drive and West Broadway Avenue, and the non-grassy area at Wheeler Road and state Route 17.
Jeff Adamson, of the state Department of Transportation, explains DOT employees remove sale signs, garage signs, food sale and yes, political signs, if they're inside the DOT's right-of-way.
There are DOT sign collection sites in Moses Lake, Ephrata, Othello and George at the state agency's maintenance facilities. With larger political signs, the DOT will typically call the candidates to come pick up their items.
"We try to give them back as quickly as we can," Adamson said.
When candidates file for the position, they are provided with information explaining where it is legal and illegal to post yard signs, he said.
We ask everyone to play fair during this political season. Candidates, please take the time to educate your volunteers about legal sign placement. Property owners, please consider calling candidates to remove their signs if they didn't request advance permission. And for those stealing or moving signs to help advance their candidate, please stop.
As we all know, playing fair helps ensure a collegial environment in the days leading up to the election.
- Editorial Board