Wisconsin Political Signs (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Wis. Stat. § 12.04
Right-of-Way: Wis. Stat. § 86.19
Content Rules: Generally protected
Time Limits: Municipal discretion

Full Breakdown

Wisconsin Statute § 12.04 generally prohibits removing or defacing political signs, making it a criminal offense to interfere with lawfully placed signs. Municipalities retain authority to impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions, but content-based regulation is restricted by U.S. Supreme Court precedent (Reed v. Town of Gilbert) which Wisconsin courts apply. Homeowner associations cannot wholly ban political signs in the period before elections. Public right-of-way placement is generally prohibited statewide under Wis. Stat. § 86.19, which limits signs in highway rights-of-way.

Violations & Penalties

Defacing or removing political signs is punishable under Wis. Stat. § 12.04. Right-of-way violations may result in sign removal and fines under § 86.19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Wisconsin cities ban political yard signs?

No. First Amendment protections and state law preserve the right to display political signs on private property, though reasonable size and placement rules are allowed.

Is removing a political sign illegal in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wis. Stat. § 12.04 makes it a crime to deface, destroy, or remove political signs lawfully placed on property without the owner's consent.

Wisconsin Political Sign Protections on Private Property