Political yard signs are permitted within Mountain Home city limits beginning Friday, Sept. 4, under a local ordinance regulating campaign signage. The policy, included in Ordinance No. 2025-26, establishes a 60-day window for displaying political signs prior to an election. For the upcoming Nov. 3 general election, that window starts Sept. 4. Signs placed earlier are subject to removal without notice, according to City Clerk Scott Liles.
The ordinance applies to all campaigns represented on the ballot, including federal, state, county, and city-level races. Liles clarified that the rule encompasses all types of political contests. “If it’s a political yard sign inside the city limits of Mountain Home, then the 60-day rule applies to it,” Liles said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a sign for a state race, a countywide contest, or a City Council race.”
Voters in Mountain Home can expect a variety of races on the November ballot, ranging from governor and congressional contests to a single City Council race. In Ward 3, Position 2, Council member Carry Manuel faces challenger Mary O’Shields. Some residents will also decide a contested justice of the peace race in District 8, where Justice of the Peace Eddie Griffin runs against Micha Johnson.
Violations of the ordinance can result in fines ranging from $25 to $100. The penalties are issued to property owners displaying the signs, not the candidates. Liles noted such cases are rare. “In my four years as City Clerk, I don’t think we have ever had to write a ticket for illegal political signage, but the City is not afraid to exercise that option should it be required,” he said. Typically, a call to the candidate or a discussion with the resident resolves the issue, he added.
In addition to the timeline restrictions, candidates and supporters are reminded to keep signs out of public rights of way, including those along streets, city property, and highways. Signs improperly placed in such areas are removed. “Every election cycle, the city will pick up a handful of campaign signs for being inside the right-of-way along the city streets,” Liles said. “And I know that the Arkansas Department of Transportation is always very vigilant about signs being placed inside their right-of-way along the state highways.” He noted that confiscated signs are usually returned to campaigns when possible, citing the cost of political signage as a reason the city strives to return them.
Under the ordinance, signs must be taken down within five days of the election, giving campaigns until Sunday, Nov. 8, to remove them. However, if a runoff election occurs, the signs may remain posted until the five-day period following the runoff.
Residents with questions about the regulations are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office by calling (870) 425-5943 or emailing sliles@MountainHomeAR.gov.