Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, every election year sees our roadsides and yards bloom with political signs. They let us demonstrate our right to free speech and proudly show the community which candidates we support. On the negative side, they add to visual clutter and litter problems. Supporters of a candidate sometimes in their zeal deface opponents’ signs or just steal them—both illegal acts.
But the real question is this: do political signs make any difference to a campaign? Do they help Nassau County voters make a decision on Election Day? Do you think that political ads and mailings are more or less effective than signs?
We invite our readers to comment!
I think when strategically places, they are effective, But when clustered, as shown above, they are as appealing, as the first Snow Melt, on the Highway, in the Spring ( for my Northern Brethren) to behold the carcass of a fallen deer from last fall. The Positive Post cards on Issues, are informative. the Negative and Demeaning of ones opponent, are as attractive as that Deer.
For the informed voter, I don’t think the signs make much of a difference. Unfortunately, I don’t know what percentage of actual voters would consider themselves an “informed” voter that actually understands the candidate’s position on issues that are of importance to the voter. To the less informed voter, I have to believe that a multitude of eye-catching signs (color or slogan) can generate some votes where they don’t want to skip a selection. Much like I think many people do using simply the political party of the candidate based on their own ideology.
Mailings can be very useful but postcards with the family picture including pets and simple promises like lower taxes and smaller government don’t give me much information. To me, the most strategic use of a candidate’s time is appearing in forums, community meetings, detailed website positions and “press the flesh” meetings.
The signs on neighbors lawns are often very informative if you are not sure which of two candidates to vote for; based on some of my neighbors value systems I often use their signs to decide who to not vote for.
Brilliant!
Dave, you said the magic words, which could be considered an oxymoron. You said” the informed voter”. Syms clothing store had a slogan ” an educated consumer is our best customer “. The same goes to picking a candidate. Do your homework, meet them when possible, and get all the information on not only them, but who they are running against. Than make an educated decision based on the facts you found. Too many, too often in both local and national politics fail to do this.
Tony, what does it say when you stop and reflect that Syms is no longer in business after filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
For me, no, they do not make a difference. Regarding the vandalism of signs, I’ve noticed that one particular candidates large, and now small signs, have been, and are still being defaced (literally) in one of the ugliest, most heated races I’ve seen. It’s obvious that someone(s) does not know it’s a crime to do what they are doing, or if they do, it just doesn’t matter. So, is one to blame this on the other candidate then? I don’t know, but it sure makes one wonder why is it only happening to one candidate’s signs and not the other candidate’s.
David, It basically says the very same thing I think of many who now hold office in Congress. We are not an educated society when it comes to politics. We are motivated by fear, hate, and greed in many cases. Educating ourselves to the issues and the facts seem to play little into our selection of those who hold or hope to hold office. Syms was lucky all they lost was a business from bad management. Bankruptcy just seems to be the thing to do today and the lack of managerial ability that gets a company there apparently is not a bench mark for leadership, at least in politics.
“We are not an educated society when it comes to politics.”
But we are da*m sure a fiercely partisan society though, aren’t we. Fierce! Scarily fierce, is how I’m thinking lately. In reading commentary throughout this blog, it’s obvious exactly how fierce. Side X believes they are educated in the issues, Side Y believes they are educated in the issues. What you end up with is conflicting “belief systems” rather than “education.” Has it always been thus? I guess so….
For the purpose of local elections, signs are great conversation starters with neighbors, especially if they’re uninformed on candidates policies. Without a bias towards a candidate, it’s almost even more assistance if another neighbor has a sign for the competitor simply so you can research which one fits your ideals.
As far as the cluster of signs placed at intersections on empty lots of in front of trees, they’re placed horrendously. A county code was passed in 2006 that made it illegal to place political signs on county right of ways, only allowing them on private property. I don’t know if this code is still enforced, but I believe it needs to be. It’s equivalent to littering when there isn’t a person behind them or a private owner to individually see to it that the sign is removed after the election.
As far as the influence, there’s no denying that you can convince your friends to vote a lot more when provided with the information sparked from a tiny sign.
I like the colors. Just makes all that nonsense about policies, competence, credentials, experience just vanish….