Political showdown in NC as HOAs ban election signs

Brenda Alexander
4h
An election sign encouraging people to vote is displayed in the front yard of a residential home in Encinitas, California, US, October 21, 2026. REUTERS/Mike Blake

With election day approaching, homeowners across the country have signs on their lawns or property endorsing their chosen candidates. But is it legal? It depends on where you live, according to The News Observer.

A North Carolina homeowner association (HOA) has interesting laws regarding whether political signs are acceptable or should be banned. First, it’s important to know what defines a political sign. In North Carolina, state laws define political signs as “a sign that attempts to influence the outcome of an election, including supporting or opposing an issue on the election ballot.” Per law firm Ward and Smith, HOAs can restrict political signs under state law, but not all flags or banners with political messages count as political signs, especially outside election season.

Political signs in North Carolina can be banned, but there are boundaries. Ward and Smith note that HOAs with rules registered before Oct. 1, 2005 must specifically mention “political signs” to restrict them. Rules registered after that date must include a bold, capitalized notice on the first page stating that the rules regulate or prohibit political signs. The HOA’s rules must clearly explain the restrictions. If they don’t mention political signs, the HOA can create rules to regulate them.

Rules also vary depending on which city residents live in. For example, in Charlotte, signs can’t be placed within 11 feet of the edge of the pavement, in medians, in traffic islands, on sidewalks and in specific locations. But in Raleigh, the rules are dependent upon the zoning of the property.

Law Firm Carolinas, which has four offices spread throughout the state of North Carolina, notes that there are broader rules. They note: “In North Carolina, the right to fly a United States or state of North Carolina flag in a planned community or condominium is protected by statute unless the declaration of covenants contains certain key phrases,” according to the law firm.

Most states leave it up to HOAs to determine the rules. Cedar Management Group, which provides HOA Management Services in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee, reports that HOAs have this blueprint to maintain the community’s overall appearance and character. Homeowners should check their HOA’s CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), as it is a legally binding document, for rules on political yard signs. Violating these rules could lead to fines or other penalties. The rules, however, must be fair across the board and not show favor or bias to any one homeowner.

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