Campaign sign restrictions

The Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union is taking issue with a city ordinance that prohibits the posting of campaign signs more than 60 days before a primary or election.

In a letter sent to City Solicitor Joseph Fernandez yesterday, Steven Brown, ACLU executive director, called the ordinance "patently unconstitutional" and a violation of free speech.

As would seem obvious. Yet . . .

Councilwoman Rita Williams and a candidate who is running against an incumbent council member in the North End, recently called The Journal to complain that political signs for their opponents have been up for many days or weeks. The posting of placards in yards, windows and buildings is a violation of the city ordinance, which prohibits them from being posted until 60 days before the election, or tomorrow.

The weird thing is that in the initial article that brought this to my attention two days ago, no one ever brought up the ordinance's manifest illegality. Although I suppose that in itself says something about Providence's political class -- reporters included. From the Providence Journal.

Posted by David on July 13, 2006 8:08 PM