Permit the display of campaign signage in municipalities prior to the beginning of absentee voting.
Impact
The passage of HB1099 is poised to influence the electoral landscape by easing restrictions on campaign signage, thereby allowing candidates more extensive visibility in the weeks leading up to elections. The bill permits municipalities to regulate the removal of these signs post-election, which retains some local authority while expanding the overall timeline for the placement of campaign materials. Its enactment could enhance voter awareness and engagement by allowing more prominent political advertisements during a critical voting period.
Summary
House Bill 1099 aims to modify the regulations governing the display of campaign signage within municipalities in South Dakota. Specifically, the bill allows campaign signs smaller than four square feet to be displayed on residential properties and signs smaller than thirty-two square feet on commercial properties beginning forty-five days before absentee voting in elections. The signs may remain until the election day, providing flexibility for candidates and political parties to promote their platforms.
Contention
Opposition to HB1099 may stem from concerns regarding visual clutter and potential distractions for motorists, as the bill does not permit signs in right-of-ways or in ways that obstruct visibility. Municipalities may feel that the bill undermines their local regulatory powers, particularly regarding the aesthetics and safety in commercial and residential areas. As the bill allows for certain exemptions, such as for larger permanent structures, discussions may also arise about fair treatment and equity for different types of signage in the voting process. Ultimately, HB1099 represents a balancing act between enabling political expression and managing community standards.