When should campaign signs in Charlotte be removed after Election Day? Here’s what to know

Driving around the Charlotte area, you may have noticed campaign signs along streets and neighborhoods left over after Election Day.

Some might be tempted to discard them, but according to North Carolina state law, you could be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor if you do.

However, campaign signs can be removed from state-maintained right-of-ways 30 days after an election since they are considered abandoned property, state law says.

Depending on the town or city, you could be fined for leaving a sign in your yard too long. Here’s how long you can keep your campaign signs up after an election.

Each municipality within Mecklenburg County has its own laws regarding how long political signs can remain after an election. Here are the laws for each one:

• Charlotte: Signs must be removed within seven days after an election.

• Cornelius: Signs must be removed within 10 days after an election.

• Davidson: Signs must be removed within seven days after an election.

• Huntersville: Signs on property maintained by the town more than 30 days after an election are considered abandoned property and can be thrown away. Signs on private property must be removed within 10 days after an election.

• Matthews: Signs must be removed within five days after an election.

• Mint Hill: Signs placed in the right-of-way on state-maintained roads must be removed within 10 days after an election. Those that remain more than 30 days after an election can be thrown away.

• Pineville: Signs must be removed within seven days after an election.

• Stallings: Signs must be removed within seven days after an election.

If signs are left up past the deadline, you can report violations to your local government. Visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website for links to file a complaint.