All candidates and campaign volunteers are required to understand Montana laws related to placement of political campaign signage. Campaign sign placements are not legally allowed within public right of way boundaries –Federal, State or County roadways. Administrative Rules of the State of Montana 18.6.246 clearly indicates the rule requirements. Many campaigns assume driveway entrances to residences or businesses — from State Highways and County Road are private property — however, they likely are not. Generally, these entrances are within the governmental right of way (until reaching the private property line), and therefore a sign next to the common placement of a rural delivery US Postal Service mail box is not a legal placement.
All current candidates for county and local office should understand and follow the law regarding placement of their campaign signage and immediately remove the signs illegally placed within public right way. After all, all elected governmental officials (as well as candidates for public office) are expected to follow, as well as enforce, appropriate laws. Signs placed on private property, adjacent to a public right away, of course, are legal and allowed.
Gary Carlson
Clancy
