The other day I noticed my opponents yard sign in front of a business I frequented. I stewed over this observation, defensively proclaiming, “Maybe I should stop dong business with the proprietor”. I’ve run into folks who say to me, “I simply can’t vote for a Democrat any more, I now your’e a nice person, I voted for you twice before” My response might include, “You need to follow your conscience, I’ll be representing you whether you vote for me or not…maybe you’d consider leaving this race blank on your ballot”.
Abiding by this philosophy, I though it reasonable that the proprietor promote whatever political speech acceptable to his personal views. Our past conversations have always been congenial on the political front. I had hoped he would maintain a certain neutrality when it came to “endorsing” a candidate. I would not hesitate to recommend the services provided by the proprietor. I would hope he would not hesitate to recommend services I provide in my business. Political advice? Let’s not seek it from one another, there’s no need to sever a professional relationship over a yard sign.
Political signs are being vandalized. Such acts are an extreme abridgment of one’s first amendment rights. Slashing or disfiguring a sign is tantamount to forcibly duct taping one’s mouth shut.
Yard signs have been a helpful tool for my campaign. Over multiple elections the sign has developed a name and “brand” recognition. This is especially helpful following multiple door to door campaigns. Often times we (the candidate and voter), have been able to meet one another. When we finally meet, the comment by the voter often follows this line, “I’ve seen your signs, I’m glad to finally met you”. A sign should boldly proclaim ones name. The color and style should be consistent from year to year. Sign and door knocking work well together. This year, the Covid induced campaign substitutes a regiment of calling in front of the house for door knocking. This may lead to a socially distanced conversation, a phone call or a simply a literature drop.
An opponents yard sign by whom you assumed was a supporter or neutral entity can be a let down. Nobody is neutral. When the signs come down, business goes on as it should.