How long can you leave a political registration after the election in Wisconsin?

DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – As nearly a month has passed since Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the 2024 presidential election, many residents are wondering how long political signs can remain posted on private property.

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt recently addressed this issue, noting that while it is respectful to remove political signs shortly after an election, it is merely his opinion and not a legal requirement.

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According to a release from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin law provides minimal regulation on the matter. Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 12.04, individuals are permitted to display political signs on their property during the campaign period, which begins on the first day of distribution and ends on Election Day. However, the law does not prohibit the display of political signs outside this period.

Transportation Code 201.16 also addresses policy requirements for signs, particularly signs near controlled highways such as Interstate 41 and US Highway 151. Signs exempt from approval requirements under Transportation Code 201.07 may not exceed 45 Posted days before the election and removed within seven days after.

Sheriff Schmidt emphasized that local municipalities could adopt additional ordinances regulating political signs, although he was not aware of such ordinances in Dodge County. Residents are advised to check with their local town, village or municipality.

“The bottom line is that there is no restriction on political signs on private property unless there is a local ordinance or the sign is on a controlled highway,” Sheriff Schmidt said, citing First Amendment protections.

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Additionally, signs may not be placed in the public right of way, and their removal is the responsibility of the local highway authority or department of public works, not law enforcement.

“Our goal is to clarify the applicable laws for our residents, even though this may not provide the resolution they are hoping for,” concluded Sheriff Schmidt.

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