Roadside political signs

dpg · 12-01-2015, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

FWIW, to the prior posters,

The signs on 28 are actually for a candidate that I would consider at this point. But the excessive behavior shown by one of the candidates support groups might cause me to reconsider. In the case of the lakefront one, it was someone I actually voted for. Just didn't like it in my face for 6 months.

As I stated, I did not intend for this to be for or against any one candidate or party, rather the practice. I think the signs are an eyesore, ineffective, and in most cases, illegally placed.

"illegally" placed is pushing it, we (all) "break" laws everyday, Do you EVER cross the street not within a crosswalk?

Descant · 12-01-2015, 01:33 PM

In my area, the state highway dept picks up signs the next work day after they are put on the state ROW. On local roads they mostly get left alone. For local elections, state Rep, selectman, school board, the candidates pick up their signs the day after the election. Somehow, they must informally agree not to put signs up before a certain date. Then, a few crocuses can be seen and a week later the yards are filled with color. Happens every spring.

Obviously, signs are effective, and it's only once every four years that the "paid volunteers" come around. I'm happy to have NH as "First in the Nation" and if a few signs encourage people to come here and rent cars and hotel rooms and eat in our restaurants, I'm happy for that too.

In June 2004, my wife and I were eating in a restaurant on an island off the coast of Scotland. Learning that we were from NH, the owner wanted to know all about the NH Primary. We're famous worldwide. Who knew? I told him it is as much an industry as a political event and it brings great favorable publicity to our small state. How else could we get 6 networks to stand in front of a bandstand or a white church and tell the world how friendly and engaged the people of NH are?

MAXUM · 12-01-2015, 08:38 PM

OK here's my take. Signs = Advertising. Obviously some people respond to that, while others may be turned off by it. Now I leave it to any thoughtful person to come to a conclusion as to whether the volume of signs is really a proper measuring stick for choosing our next leader, but make no mistake about it, they wouldn't do it if it weren't effective. Some elections have come down to a handful of votes and with margins that can be razor thin yeah candidates will do whatever it takes to get as many votes as they can. That means tons of signs. We should have a contest, how many signs will be posted on that stretch of road the day before the NH Primary. Bet it would be in the thousands.

Acrossamerica · 12-01-2015, 10:51 PM

Hopefully by nowthe OP has found something new to be offended by. Maybe we should simply not allow anyone to campaign in any manner whatsoever and then we can vote by the alphabet as they seem to do in Mississippi.

thinkxingu · 12-02-2015, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acrossamerica

then we can vote by the alphabet as they seem to do in Mississippi.

I am very confident that no quality election in history was won with roadside signs.

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

Acrossamerica · 12-02-2015, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I am very confident that no quality election in history was won with roadside signs.

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

And just when was the last time we had a quality election?

thinkxingu · 12-02-2015, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acrossamerica

And just when was the last time we had a quality election?

To be debated, but I'd start with the following qualifiers: 1. Substance over snippets, 2. Character vs. Cult of Personality, 3. A pensive population.

None of these involve sidewalk signs (or alliteration!).

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noreast · 12-02-2015, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acrossamerica

Hopefully by nowthe OP has found something new to be offended by. Maybe we should simply not allow anyone to campaign in any manner whatsoever and then we can vote by the alphabet as they seem to do in Mississippi.

He didn't say he was offended, and he didn't link it to the rest of the campaign. Most people I know consider it trash, and a lot of it turns out to be just that.

Acrossamerica · 12-02-2015, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noreast

He didn't say he was offended, and he didn't link it to the rest of the campaign. Most people I know consider it trash, and a lot of it turns out to be just that.

Actually if it were not for road side campaign signs 97% of the American population (our wonderful low information voters who neither read nor watch any news broadcasts)) would never know that there even was an election nor who was running.

jbolty · 12-02-2015, 03:23 PM

Seems simple enough to have registered candidates post a bond to pay for sign removal. But, the ones in office would have to vote and pass such a measure so almost certain it wouldn't happen.

brk-lnt · 12-03-2015, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acrossamerica

Actually if it were not for road side campaign signs 97% of the American population (our wonderful low information voters who neither read nor watch any news broadcasts)) would never know that there even was an election nor who was running.

Did you know that 84% of all statistics are made up on the spot?

wifi · 12-03-2015, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Did you know that 84% of all statistics are made up on the spot?

Its called a SWAG,

ITD · 12-03-2015, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Did you know that 84% of all statistics are made up on the spot?

And 5/4s of people surveyed don't understand fractions.

Descant · 12-03-2015, 11:42 PM

To brk-lnt and ITD
I know we're getting off course, but, as a professional in the business ($100 less taxes and license plate fees) the % of statistics made up on the spot is just below a supermajority, 57.8%. The 84% applies only to the second amendment and Planned Parenthood. In those two instances, 84% could be accurate for both sides of both issues. In the FITN primary, I believe the national candidates rely on something less than a supermajority, 42.6%, as I recall. I'm sure Quinnipiac has the exact number based on age, sex, and which Winnipesaukee Island you were born on. To my knowledge, none of the major candidates has professed to being a fisherman. We therefore must assume the ruler in their pictures really is 12" long, and is not one of those specialty rulers sold in bait shops alongside the 1/2 metric scales. LOL

12-01-2015, 01:33 PM	#2
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,597 Thanks: 1,418 Thanked 1,705 Times in 1,109 Posts	Be a cheerleader for NH In my area, the state highway dept picks up signs the next work day after they are put on the state ROW. On local roads they mostly get left alone. For local elections, state Rep, selectman, school board, the candidates pick up their signs the day after the election. Somehow, they must informally agree not to put signs up before a certain date. Then, a few crocuses can be seen and a week later the yards are filled with color. Happens every spring. Obviously, signs are effective, and it's only once every four years that the "paid volunteers" come around. I'm happy to have NH as "First in the Nation" and if a few signs encourage people to come here and rent cars and hotel rooms and eat in our restaurants, I'm happy for that too. In June 2004, my wife and I were eating in a restaurant on an island off the coast of Scotland. Learning that we were from NH, the owner wanted to know all about the NH Primary. We're famous worldwide. Who knew? I told him it is as much an industry as a political event and it brings great favorable publicity to our small state. How else could we get 6 networks to stand in front of a bandstand or a white church and tell the world how friendly and engaged the people of NH are?

12-03-2015, 11:42 PM	#14
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,597 Thanks: 1,418 Thanked 1,705 Times in 1,109 Posts	Professional input To brk-lnt and ITD I know we're getting off course, but, as a professional in the business ($100 less taxes and license plate fees) the % of statistics made up on the spot is just below a supermajority, 57.8%. The 84% applies only to the second amendment and Planned Parenthood. In those two instances, 84% could be accurate for both sides of both issues. In the FITN primary, I believe the national candidates rely on something less than a supermajority, 42.6%, as I recall. I'm sure Quinnipiac has the exact number based on age, sex, and which Winnipesaukee Island you were born on. To my knowledge, none of the major candidates has professed to being a fisherman. We therefore must assume the ruler in their pictures really is 12" long, and is not one of those specialty rulers sold in bait shops alongside the 1/2 metric scales. LOL

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12-01-2015, 08:38 PM	#3
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 244 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	OK here's my take. Signs = Advertising. Obviously some people respond to that, while others may be turned off by it. Now I leave it to any thoughtful person to come to a conclusion as to whether the volume of signs is really a proper measuring stick for choosing our next leader, but make no mistake about it, they wouldn't do it if it weren't effective. Some elections have come down to a handful of votes and with margins that can be razor thin yeah candidates will do whatever it takes to get as many votes as they can. That means tons of signs. We should have a contest, how many signs will be posted on that stretch of road the day before the NH Primary. Bet it would be in the thousands.

12-01-2015, 10:51 PM	#4
Acrossamerica Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 133 Times in 66 Posts	Hopefully by nowthe OP has found something new to be offended by. Maybe we should simply not allow anyone to campaign in any manner whatsoever and then we can vote by the alphabet as they seem to do in Mississippi.

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12-02-2015, 03:23 PM	#10
jbolty Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 689 Thanks: 327 Thanked 267 Times in 160 Posts	Seems simple enough to have registered candidates post a bond to pay for sign removal. But, the ones in office would have to vote and pass such a measure so almost certain it wouldn't happen.

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