Michigan Statewide Rule

Michigan Political Sign Rules Near Polling Places

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Michigan (2026)

Key Facts

Polling Place Buffer: 100 feet
Election Day Penalty: Misdemeanor up to $500
ROW Authority: MDOT removal allowed
Governing Statutes: MCL 168.744, 252.301

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Michigan Legislature

Summary

Michigan election law universally prohibits political signs and electioneering within 100 feet of any polling place entrance on Election Day, applying uniformly across all municipalities statewide.

(3) On election day, a person shall not post, display, or distribute in a polling place, in any hallway used by voters to enter or exit a polling place, or within 100 feet of an entrance to a building in which a polling place is located any material that directly or indirectly makes reference to an election, a candidate, or a ballot question.

Source: Michigan LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under MCL 168.744, no person may post, display, or distribute political signs, literature, or materials within 100 feet of any entrance to a polling place while polls are open. This statewide rule applies regardless of local sign ordinances and supersedes private property owner permission within that zone. The Michigan Highway Advertising Act (MCL 252.301 et seq.) also restricts placement of any signs within state highway rights-of-way, including political signs, which the Michigan Department of Transportation may remove without notice.

Violations & Penalties

Violation of MCL 168.744 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment, a fine up to $500, or both. MDOT removes right-of-way signs without compensation under MCL 252.317.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Michigan cities ban political signs on private lawns?

No. The First Amendment and Michigan case law protect noncommercial political signs on private property, and local ordinances cannot impose content-based bans, though reasonable size and duration limits may apply.

Are political signs allowed in Michigan highway rights-of-way?

No. The Highway Advertising Act prohibits unauthorized signs within state highway rights-of-way, and MDOT may remove them without notice or compensation under MCL 252.317.

When must political signs near polling places be removed?

Signs must not be present within 100 feet of polling place entrances during voting hours on Election Day, but may otherwise remain up subject to local time limits.

Sources

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