Stack of election signs | Photo by Connor Beach | Long Islander News Photo
During the election, thousands of people have yard signs out to boast who or what they voted for. It is a tradition as old as time. But when the polls close and the election is over, these people are left with their signs, but what happens to the signs?
The purpose of yard signs
Come November, thousands of signs go up every election cycle. They range from various sayings supporting differing political beliefs. These signs are meant to signify what you vote for and are meant to persuade others voters.
Citizens like Leah Applewood, who is resident in South Vienna are among the people who were persuaded. She was influenced to vote yes on Issue 1 due to signs out in the last election, despite not knowing what Issue 1 even was.
“I voted yes on Issue 1. I didn’t really know what Issue 1 even was. Everyone in my neighborhood had signs for it and I trust them. So I just went with the majority,” Applewood said.
What happens to them?
With all of these yards signs out, it is natural to ask where they go after an election.
Depending on the sign, there are some who keep their yard signs out. Like Eric Carlton, a Trump supporter from Springfield.
“I like Trump. I don’t think it’s a problem to keep it up because I still like him. The election being over doesn’t change that” Carlton said. “Plus, I also keep it up because I know it [upsets] my neighbor, especially after he won this election.”
There are lots of people who end up throwing them away too. There is no apparent use for them past the election cycle. But that can be bad for the environment.
There are several other things that you can do to protect the planet and get rid of these signs.
What do I do with my sign?
Many of these signs are recyclable, so if someone wants to go ahead with throwing them out, they can actually put them in recycling, which reduces waste. There are some who even reuse their signs in more unconventional ways.
“I like to take my yard signs and turn them into more useful signs,” said Fairborn resident Christina Wilson, “If they are the flimsy kind I turn them inside out and write on them, if they are harder I paint over them. They really make the perfect yard sale or birthday signs.”
If it is a local election and a candidate or their team puts the sign in your yard, they will come and get it in a few days. There is no need to throw the signs away. This usually is the case in local elections. Many political parties also take the signs back after the elections, both for national and local races.
Ultimately, it is up to individuals to make informed decisions about their actions, but if those choices can also improve the environment, it’s a responsibility worth embracing.
