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Madison County refers temporary sign ordinance to Planning Commission after election‑period complaint
Summary
Citing enforceability concerns and recent court guidance, the board voted to send temporary sign definitions to the Planning Commission for revision after a public comment flagged a sign outside the Registrar's Office and a State Board of Elections complaint.
County Attorney Hannon Wright told the Madison County Board of Supervisors on May 12 that the county's temporary sign ordinance contains language that may be difficult to enforce in light of recent court decisions on political speech and distinctions between "Election Day" and an extended election period. The attorney said the ordinance generally prohibits signs on county property except during a limited election window and recommended clarifying the definition of "temporary signs" to improve enforceability while remaining content neutral.
During public comment Annette Hyde, chair of the Madison County Democratic Committee, said a sign was placed outside the Registrar's Office prior to the April 21 special election, expressed concern about adherence to the county's temporary sign rules and Virginia Code requirements for disclaimers on political advertisements, and said she filed a complaint with the State Board of Elections. The board discussed placing designated areas for election signage near the county administration building and noted the increasing use of the administration building for early voting.
Supervisor Jud Buchanan moved to refer revisions to the Planning Commission to review and develop proposed ordinance language updating the definition of temporary signs; Vice‑Chair James Jewett seconded the motion and it passed 5–0. The Planning Commission will prepare draft language for the board's future consideration.
