Election signs in Redland City

Election signs are sprouting in Redland City ahead of the local government elections on Saturday 16 March 2024, accompanied by the usual discussion about bad behaviour.

In the last few weeks several candidates have complained about some of their signs being defaced, vandalized or stolen. Allegations concerning the theft and vandalism of signs during the last local council elections resulted in legal action for defamation.

Concerns are also being raised about election signs being erected or displayed illegally.

And allegations have been made that some election participants are providing incorrect information (disinformation) to residents about the legality of other candidates’ signs.

To clear the air, here’s a simple guide to regulation of election signs in Redland City.

What is an election sign?

In Redlands an election sign is defined by the Council as a sign or poster that is able, or is intended to:

• influence a person about voting at any government election
• affect the result of any government election.

Typically, elections signs will include a photo of the candidate and some information about the position they are contesting.

From 29 January we have been in the official election period so election signs must now include the name and address of a person who authorizes the sign, as required by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ).

How much do election signs cost?

Election signs are typically printed on corflutes (corrugated plastic sheet). The cost of signs is determined by the size of corflute and the number being printed. For a print run of 20 corflutes sized 600mm by 900mm the cost of each sign could be about $15.

Where can you put election signs?

Election signs can generally be placed on private property with the occupier’s consent.

The Council’s local law include this definition:

occupier, of premises—
(a) means the person who has the control or management of the premises; and
(b) includes the owner of the premises where there is no person in apparent occupation of the premises.

Election signs are NOT allowed on public land such as Council land, parks and local Council road reserves (which includes footpaths).

Road side campaigning

There is an exception for road side stalls which are attended by campaigners.

The Council’s webpage says:

However, candidates may have signs associated with information booths on road sides or parks, provided:

• the booths are manned and do not create a traffic or pedestrian hazard, and
• no more than four (4) signs are located within six (6) metres of the booth.

Mobile election signs

Election signs can be displayed on vehicles including trailers provided that these vehicles and trailers comply with traffic and parking laws and regulations.

Bad behaviour and election signs

If you observe someone stealing, defacing or vandalizing an election sign report this to the Queensland Police, just as you would report any other criminal act.

If an election sign is not properly authorized, report this to the ECQ.

If you consider that an election sign is located where it shouldn’t be, report this to Redland City Council, preferably by email including location details and a photo.

Send your email to: rcc@redland.qld.gov.au

If you wish, include a cc copy to us: thereporter@redlands2030.com

Do not attempt to remove, relocate or otherwise interfere with the sign (unless it has been placed on your property without your consent).

Compliance action by Council

This is what the Council says:

The Council may undertake compliance action if the display of an election sign:

• adversely affects public safety,
• inappropriately impacts on the use and enjoyment of land,
• excessively affects the visual amenity of an area, or
• is erected on public land – unless part of a manned information booth or polling place.

The Council will investigate complaints about election signs which are alleged to conflict with the above requirements. Public safety issues will be prioritised. Compliance action could include impounding signs, issuing notices and/or issuing on-the-spot fines.

Election spending caps

For the 2024 local council elections candidates are required to comply with electoral expenditure caps which in Redlands are $15,000 for divisional councillor candidates.

Mayoral candidates have a campaign spending cap of $118,000.

Candidates have to report their electoral expenditure in close to real time and this information can be found on the ECQ website.

Election signs regulations

Redland City Council webpage – Election Signs

Redland City Council Local Law 1 Administration

ECQ fact sheet: Authorisation of election material

Invitation to all candidates

Redlands2030 invites all candidates for the 2024 local council elections to submit a short opinion piece for publication on our website.

You can use this free opportunity to promote yourself and your achievements to date and say what you will strive to do if elected to Council on 16 March 2024.

This invitation is open to all candidates for mayor and division councillor positions.

As a rough guide your opinion piece should be within 300-900 words.

We encourage you to include a suitable image e.g. a photo of your election sign.

We won’t edit what you say. Each candidate’s story will be published separately and posted separately to our Facebook page.

Email your election campaign opinion piece to theeditor@redlands2030.net

Redlands2030 – 31 January 2024