Signs, signs, everywhere a sign.
In Prince George, that is.
With the provincial election in full swing, B.C. Liberal and NDP candidates were eager to mark the beginning of their campaigns as they installed election signs on Prince George city streets.
Soon, much of the local land will be marked but not all B.C. communities are as eager to take on the election extravaganza.
Cities like Quesnel have restricted the amount of political signs allowed on public property, allowing just six double-sided signs on public land.
"Everybody is regulated on the use of lawn signs except for politicians.
"People can't use public space to promote their businesses, to promote their garage sales, etc., without restrictions," Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson told BC Local News.
"I think this allows campaigns to concentrate on the things that matter: door-knocking and policy instead of having sign wars with each other and complaining that so-and-so is vandalizing so-and-so's sign."
Terrace has passed a bylaw restricting the total number of election signs to 30 for each candidate within their electoral area.
In Prince George, however, there are no restrictions in terms of numbers.
Bylaw officers will respond to concerns regarding electoral signage that arise during the campaign.
The city does approve political signs on city-owned lands except within city owned road rights of way because the city does not want to allow itself to be put in a position of appearing to encourage or discourage any candidate by permitting political signs on city property.
Also with roads, the city has a duty to regulate city owned road rights of way while ensuring the safety of the traveling public.
Political signs are not allowed to be attached to fences that border city owned property.
Signs are also not allowed within planting beds to avoid damage to irrigation systems.
According to Elections B.C., when it comes to the signs themselves, only registered political parties, candidates and registered third party election sponsors may sponsor election advertising, including election campaign signs.
The election act does not regulate where signs may be posted except that it prohibits election advertising within 100 metres of a District Electoral office or 100 metres of a voting place when voting is taking place.
However, municipalities can determine their own bylaws regarding the placement of election signs in a particular area by setting reasonable limits and size of election signs.
And if caught vandalizing a political sign, Prince George RCMP are ready to treat mischief makers with stiff penalties including heavy fines and even jail time.
"This will be treated as a mischief charge under the criminal code," said Cpl. Craig Douglass from the Prince George RCMP.
"And penalties will apply as with any other offence."
All election signs must be authorized by a registered political party, candidate or registered election advertising sponsor.
If a sign is in question or missing the authorization statement, a photo may be taken and emailed to: [email protected] or call Electoral Finance at 1-800-661-8683.
For more information about election signs in Prince George, call the city at 250-561-7600.
