As Election Day approaches, we’ve all been inundated with news stories and ads.
It happens every November.
But one thing is different this year.
You may not have noticed, because it’s not something you see. Rather, it’s an absence.
This fall, there are far fewer political signs than usual.
The bad old days.
Sure, there are some Harris/Walz and Trump/Vance signs, on front lawns and in traffic islands. There are several too for US Senate and House, and State Senate and State House races.
But far, far fewer than usual.
Perhaps people realize that no one has ever made up their minds based on yard signs.
Maybe they are afraid, in this fraught political environment, to express themselves.
Whatever the reason, let’s all agree — Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Greens, unaffiliated — that this is a very welcome “sign.”
(Election Day is November 5. Early voting begins October 21. But any day is a good one to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to “register” your support. Thank you!)
I think one of the reasons for the reduction of lawn signs is that there are no local elections this year.
I disagree. Look at the photo that illustrates this piece. Those signs were for US Senate, Congress and State House and Senate. All those races are being contested this year.
Amy, couldn’t it be said that state House races qualify as a local election? What I have noticed in Stratford is that a number of residents have placed a sign for a CT House candidate on their front lawns (but not for any other candidates).
What I was referring to were the local board elections: RTM, Board of Ed, Board of Finance, etc…..these elections create many more signage.
I believe that the lack of signs for the national election is due to the great divide amongst the electorate regarding where each candidate would like to take our country. Folks are fearful of reprisals if they show support for their candidates on their front lawns. Not the way it should be in America; but, it is the way it currently is. Too many of the electorate have moved to the far ends of the liberal/conservative spectrum. What we need are more voters coming back to the center for a balanced administration. Sadly, I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
People shouldn’t be afraid ; we live in a town that welcomes diversity, equity and inclusion. Don’t we?!!!
If you have to ask…..
This is an honest question: Has anyone in the scope of Dan’s blog EVER utilized one of these signs in their decision making process leading up to exercising their right to vote?
Eric, nope. They’re tacky, ugly and muck up the landscape.
NEVER!!!
There you have it. I asked a question. I reached out. Exposed my innermost feelings. And the two most thoughtful, literate men in Westport responded. Clearly, concisely. And passionately.
“no one has ever made up their minds based on yard signs.”
Great quote. I think I’ll paint that over my Will Haskell yard sign.
Perhaps this is a message for all of us in this country now too for your readers. 2018 Utube from Tower of David. song by pople in three languages, on this Marley song.
Preview YouTube video Koolulam | One Love – Bob Marley | Tower of David | June 14th, 2018