By MARK TODD
Staff Writer
mtodd@starbeacon.com
When it comes to Ohio law, there's apparently no such thing as too early to erect a political sign.
Communities may strongly suggest a time period, but the Ohio Supreme Court, in a years-old ruling, decided such restrictions violate free-speech rights.
Some signs touting candidates and issues for the general election can found in Ashtabula County, even though the election won't be held until Nov. 7. People may grumble, but the law sides with the candidates.
In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Painesville law firm cited by that city for hanging a campaign sign more than 17 days in advance of the election, a violation of a city ordinance.
The law firm appealed and the case went to the state's highest court. Chief Justice Thomas Moyer, in the opinion, said Painesville's law was "unnecessarily over-restrictive" and "precludes candidates from determining themselves the best strategic timing for the posting of their signs," according to information the court's Web site.
Traditionally, the election season begins on Labor Day for a November general election, according to the Web site.
The court did agree communities could prepare a "narrowly drawn, municipal ordinance imposing reasonable restrictions on the display of temporary signs including political yard signs."
A call around the region indicated many communities try to confine political signs to the month before the election. Spokespeople at the Lake and Geauga county election boards said the unwritten rule among their respective communities is to not post signs until a month before the election.
Calls placed around Ashtabula County turned up no laws on the books aimed at political signs.
Local News
No restrictions on political signs
- Local News
-
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
The Buckeye Local Board of Education will conduct interviews with six superintendent hopefuls next week, said Board President Jacqueline Hillyer.
-
Shooting suspect to be tried as adult
A 17-year-old will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday after hearing a sheriff’s deputy describe how the teen wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” and admitted shooting people.
-
Ohio EPA takes AIM at site of hazardous wastes
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency staff members returned this week to the site of the now-bankrupt Ashtabula Iron and Metal on West 30th Street to take samples of the unknown liquids and analyze hazardous wastes, asbestos and other potential health and environmental concerns.
-
Commissioners look at selling nursing beds
Commissioners have retained the services of a law firm that specializes in the sale of excess nursing home beds as the board looks at ways to raise additional revenues.
-
Conneaut looks at demolition funds
The city is making preparations to secure its share of nearly $692,000 in demolition funds expected to be Ashtabula County’s portion of a multi-billion dollar settlement with national mortgage lenders.
-
Volunteers get more help than needed at rescue spot
Despite their good intentions, Edward and Mary proved more hindrance than help to the Conneaut KeyBank employees lending a helping hand Thursday to a farm animal rescue operation in Kingsville Township.
-
220 graduate at Lakeside
Thursday night was a time of pomp, circumstance and smiles as 220 seniors graduated from Lakeside High School.
-
Lost money?
There is no map, and “X” may not mark the spot, but hundreds of Ashtabula County residents may have unclaimed cash ready and waiting for them through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
-
Lane to be tried as adult in Chardon High shooting
A 17-year-old boy will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday.
-
Happy Hearts School holds commencement for its Class of 2012
As commencement exercises go in Ashtabula County, the one at Happy Hearts School was small, with just five students.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
