Restricting Political Lawn Signs Suggested By Basking Ridge Residents

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — As the election season kicks off for 2024, a discussion over political lawn signs arose at the Tuesday night Bernards Township Committee meeting.

"I feel like last election season a lot of people in town were kind of upset with the number of signs that were put out for a long period of time. That goes for across the board - Republican, Democratic, Independent," said resident Anna Forzani during the public comment section of the meeting.

Forzani suggested that the Township Committee limit the time frame for when signs could be posted for the general election until after Sept. 11.

"I just don’t see any downside to say, 'Let’s just wait. Let’s keep our town beautiful.' And then maybe after 9/11, people can go gungho with their signage," said Forzani.

Resident Nancy D’Andrea concurred with Forzani noting that she had previously asked the Committee two years ago about setting a time limit for signs.

"Wait until after 9/11. I think it would be better looking for our town to wait and have that so they are not littered all over the Harry Dunham Park area as we are all going over there to be at the ceremony," said D'Andrea.

Committee member Andrew McNally disagreed on imposing restrictions on signs.

"To me, it's fundamentally a First Amendment issue and our political speech is the highest order of speech deserving of the most protection," said McNally.

He added that he believes imposing restrictions on signs might prompt litigation issues.

"I see it as a First Amendment issue and that’s why I would not impose restrictions on signs," said McNally.

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