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.
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.