Electioneering & Campaign Signs

FAQs

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  1. What is electioneering?

    As defined by Colorado statute (C.R.S. 1-13-714), the term "electioneering" includes campaigning for or against any candidate and/or ballot issue that is on the ballot. "Electioneering" also includes soliciting signatures for a candidate petition, a recall petition, or a petition to place a ballot issue or ballot question on a subsequent ballot.  No person shall do any electioneering on the day of any election, or during the time when voting is permitted for any election, within any polling location or in any public street or room or in any public manner within 100 feet of any building in which a polling location is located, as publically posted by the designated election official.  

  2. Why is electioneering not allowed?

    According to Colorado Revised Statutes, no electioneering may take place within a 100-foot limit of any polling location (C.R.S. 1-13-714). 

    Many polling locations are within privately-owned buildings. Property owners have the right to not allow electioneering anywhere on their property, even if outside the 100-foot limit. Volunteers may be asked to move to public property at the legitimate request of the property owner.

  3. What are the statutory requirements regarding election campaign signs?

    C.R.S. 1-13-113, Interference with distribution of election material.

    During the period beginning forty-five days before and ending four days after any election, any person who prevents, hinders, or interferes with the lawful distribution of any card, pamphlet, circular, poster, handbill, yard sign, or other written material relating to any candidate for election for any office or relating to any issue that is to be submitted to the electors in any election, or any person who removes, defaces, or destroys any lawfully placed billboard, sign, or written material from any premises to which it was delivered, commits a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars. Any person found guilty of removing, defacing, or destroying any billboard, sign, or written material shall pay the cost of replacement. The owner of the premises, an authorized agent of the owner, or any person charged with enforcement of any state law, ordinance, or regulation may remove any billboard, sign, or written material without penalty when placed without permission or authorization of the owner of such premises, or in violation of state law or county or municipal ordinance or regulation, or which is in place at any time other than during the period beginning forty-five days before and ending four days after any election.

  4. What are the requirements, including sizes, regarding election campaign signs for Larimer County?

    Article 8.0 – Signs of the Larimer County Land Use Code contains the following requirements:

    • Table 8-12: Temporary Signs allowed Without a Permit indicates that any number of “Election Signs” may be placed on a property for a period of 60 days prior to a state, local, or national election.  All signage exceeding the maximum sign allowance during non-election periods must be removed within five days after the election event.
    • Table 8-11: Temporary Sign Dimensions indicates that temporary signs shall not exceed 6 feet in height and 8 square feet in area on properties zoned for residential uses (including agricultural properties).
    • Table 8-11: Temporary Sign Dimensions indicates that temporary signs shall not exceed 6 feet in height and 32 square feet in area on properties zoned for non-residential uses (i.e. commercial and industrial).
  5. Where are election campaign signs allowed in Larimer County?

    Placement of election campaign signs is subject to the prohibited sign location requirements in Article 8.2.4. – Prohibited Signs and Sign Locations. In general, signs shall not be located:

    • On or over public roads or rights-of-way,
    • On or mounted to natural features such as landscaping, trees, rocks, utility and light poles, or similar structures
    • In a manner that impairs traffic visibility or the health, safety, or welfare of the public.
  6. Do election campaign signs require a permit?

    No, temporary election campaign signs do not require a permit, but they must meet the requirements of Article 8.0 – Signs of the Larimer County Land Use Code.

  7. Are there any other laws that pertain to election campaign signs?

    City of Fort Collins: Refer to the City of Fort Collins Election Sign Provisions

    City of Loveland: Election signs are considered temporary signs under City of Loveland Code. Up to 12 election signs are permitted per residential lot or premise and must be U-Frame or H-Frame. Banners on stakes, banners attached to fences and homes or flying banners and feather flags are not allowed. Signs may not be placed in public rights-of-way or on public property. Election signs may not obstruct views or create traffic hazards, be attached to street lamps, street signs, traffic signs or signals, hydrants, trees, shrubs, fences or utility poles. No permits are required. A sign cannot be taller than three feet or have more than four feet area per sign face. Signs may not contain internal or external lighting or illumination. Election signs may be displayed for a maximum of one hundred (100) consecutive days. City Code allows for two 100-day consecutive time periods as long as there is a break in between the two.

    City and town planning departments, private property owners, and homeowner associations may impose additional regulations.

  8. Who should I contact if I believe a sign does not conform to existing land use codes?

    If you believe a campaign sign is in violation of a county or city code, please contact the appropriate department.

    If you believe a campaign sign is in violation of your homeowner's covenant, please contact your homeowner's association or property management company.

Contact Elections

200 W Oak St, Suite 5100, Fort Collins, CO 80521
PO Box 1547, Fort Collins CO  80522

HOURS: 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday (except holidays)
EMAIL: elections@larimer.gov
PHONE: (970) 498-7820 | FAX:  (970) 498-7847
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