Sept. 17. By Dave Vieser. State and town laws allow election signs to go up 30 days before early voting, which begins on Oct. 15., meaning political signs have begun popping up on public areas of state-maintained roadways, provided they comply with regulations on size and location.

There’s a healthy field of candidates this election cycle, including three running for mayor and seven for the town board.

One candidate of note is former commissioner Colin Furcht, who declined to use many signs during his successful town board run in 2021 as well as his unsuccessful re-election bid in 2023.

“I broke down and agreed to join the slate and put signs in public areas,” Furcht told Cornelius Today. “The last two elections, I felt it was best to not add to the mess. This year, I was convinced I needed to. Hopefully it will make more folks aware that I am back.”

Sign rules and regulations are extensive and violations should be reported to town officials. It is a Class 3 misdemeanor to steal, deface, vandalize or unlawfully remove a political sign that has been lawfully placed.

In addition to town candidates, residents can expect to see signs for others seeking office, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board candidates.

Early voting runs Oct. 16 through Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.