The election has concluded. Donald Trump has secured a win, and barring any major unforeseen events, he will serve as president for another four years. For Republicans, this is a moment to be gracious. Not only did they clinch the presidency, but they also gained control of the House and Senate.
However, some MAGA supporters, including a few in my neighborhood, seem determined to keep rubbing it in. Trump signs, flags, and banners continue to be proudly displayed — not just on trucks, but also on private properties. These displays adorn poles, hang from porches, and even decorate trees, sending a bold “na-na-na-na-naaaa-na” message to Democrats. While post-election excitement is understandable, might it be time to consider a break from gloating?
A Legal Reality Check
You might wonder whether this signage is even legal. Shouldn’t political signs be taken down eventually? What about banners and flags? The answer isn’t simple. Historically, cities and counties had broad authority over regulating signs. However, a 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona mandated that local governments regulate signs in a “content-neutral” manner. This means they can’t impose restrictions on political signs that don’t apply to other types of signs, or risk legal issues.
This decision changed the landscape. Following the ruling, many local governments amended their sign ordinances to align with constitutional requirements. For instance, San Luis Obispo County once limited campaign signs in residential areas to 4 square feet, with strict timelines for putting them up and taking them down. Those rules are no longer in effect. Now, temporary political signs as large as 32 square feet are allowed in unincorporated areas of the county (though cities have their own rules).
The time limit for removing these signs has also been adjusted, in line with other temporary signage rules, with election signs required to be taken down 14 days after the event. This means many campaign signs should have been removed a couple of weeks ago.
Political Statements and Their Limits
Signs that make political statements unrelated to an election — such as those supporting or opposing a particular policy — are regulated differently. “Political signs are generally permissible,” said SLO County Counsel Rita Neal, “but depending on how they are mounted, they may be considered temporary and subject to time limits.” In other words, a “Trump for President 2024” sign might need to be removed, while a “Trump Makes America Great Again” sign could stay, as long as it’s properly mounted.
As for flags and banners, these could be classified as signs depending on their placement. If they’re on a permitted flagpole or nailed to a fence, they might be considered temporary signs, requiring removal based on local regulations. The size of any signage is also governed by zoning laws.
The Simple Solution
Here’s a simple suggestion: now that the election is over, how about taking down those MAGA flags, signs, and banners — legal or not? The same applies to anti-Trump displays, although I haven’t noticed many of those since the election. Removing these displays could prevent a visit from code enforcement and, more importantly, would be a courteous gesture to your neighbors. Democrats are struggling in their own way right now, and unnecessarily rubbing it in feels unkind.
Consider the advice of Bill O’Reilly (yes, that Bill O’Reilly), who posted on X: “MAGA supporters should embrace a ‘no gloat zone.’ No retribution is necessary. Having Trump back in power is more than enough for the left to handle.” Kid Rock echoed this sentiment: “We must remember that our left-leaning friends are good people who want the same things we do, but simply have different views on how to achieve them.”
It’s worth noting that most Harris supporters have accepted the election results graciously. They haven’t insisted the election was stolen, nor have they plotted violent acts or fled the country. So, how about calling a truce? The thought of four more years of political division — with friends, neighbors, and even family at odds — is exhausting. Healing starts with empathy, especially in our local communities.
To that end, I’m willing to take a cue from Kid Rock and acknowledge that most of my right-leaning friends are good people. In return, perhaps they could consider taking down that “God, Guns, and Trump” banner that’s been hanging in my view every day.
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