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Study: Political Lawn Signs Have Minimal Impact

Election placards placed near a polling location in Apex, N.C.
Magnus manske
/
Wikipedia
Election placards placed near a polling location in Apex, N.C., July 2004.

A new study from High Point University questions the effectiveness of political lawn signs. 

Researchers say millions of dollars are spent on the signs across the country each election cycle.  Brandon Lenoir  is an assistant professor of Political Communication and Campaigns at the university.

"We actually found that unless the race is, is within only a percentage or two point spread between the two candidates, lawn signs have no effect on the outcome of the election."

Lenoir says the signs do not drive voter turn-out, either.  He says political organizers may be able to find a better use for limited campaign funds.
 

Eric Hodge hosts WUNC’s broadcast of Morning Edition, and files reports for the North Carolina news segments of the broadcast. He started at the station in 2004 doing fill-in work on weekends and All Things Considered.
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