Newton County adopts campaign sign policy allowing limited county-property placement near elections

Newton County Commissioners adopted a countywide campaign sign placement and advertising policy after discussion about enforcement and exemptions for polling locations and event spaces.

County staff presented a draft policy compiled from state regulations and local clerk guidance. Commissioners debated enforcement authority and practical exceptions for voting sites, with several members urging an exception to allow signs on county-owned grounds (but not attached to buildings) during early voting and in the two weeks before an election. Legal counsel and staff reiterated that the county’s enforcement authority applies only to county-owned property and that alleged violations on private property would be referred to the Texas Ethics Commission.

The court added or discussed sub-bullets to the policy to specify that signs may be placed on county property during early voting and during the two-week window prior to the general election and that such signs must be removed within 10 days after the election. Commissioner Pounds moved to adopt the policy; Commissioner Hobson seconded, and the court approved the adoption and asked staff to prepare a final document for signatures.

The policy is intended as guidance for candidates and the public; county staff said the clerk’s office will provide copies and information to prospective candidates and members of the public.