Michigan Political Signs (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

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.

Michigan Political Sign Rules Near Polling Places

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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