On February 19, a U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania issued a temporary restraining order against enforcement of a township ordinance. The ordinance makes it illegal for a homeowner to display a lawn sign saying “Vote for (whomever or whatever)” more than 30 days before any particular election. Rudolph v Township of South Park, 2:08-cv-334, western district. South Park is a suburb of Pittsburgh. Thanks to Tom McLaughlin for the news. The case was brought by the ACLU.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
Interesting…..I thought the Supreme Court nixed all restrictions a long time ago on campaign lawn signs when displayed on private property. Richard, can you cite the relevant precedents?
In City of Ladue v Gilleo (1994), the US Supreme Court unanimously struck down a city ordinance (in Missouri) that prohibited all campaign signs on lawns of homeowners. That is somewhat different than this Pennsylvania case, in which the signs are not banned; they just can’t be put up until 30 days before a primary or an election.
Yet, in PA you’ll see signs long AFTER the election is over.