T.C.A. Laws

Campaign Signs & Boundaries

Campaign Signs

The Williamson County Election Commission has no authority over the regulation of campaign signs with exception of the 100 foot campaign-free zone outside the entrance of a polling place (T.C.A. § 2-7-111). However, zoning ordinances and restrictions pertaining to political signs exist in the county as well as in the municipalities within Williamson County.

Williamson County

  1. Williamson County Sign Ordinance Section 8170 (D), Temporary Signs: No temporary signs of any type, other than non-commercial messages placed on behalf of a governmental entity, shall be located within or project into, any public road  right-of-way within the unincorporated County (includes political signs). Political signs may be located on private property (with owner’s permission) but are limited to a maximum of  five (5) signs per parcel with a total square footage not to exceed 30 square feet and with no sign larger than 16 square feet.
  2. Williamson County Commission Resolution 5-06-12 prohibits political signs from being placed on county property (except properties under the jurisdiction of the County Board of Education). (See County Attorney’s Memorandum regarding County Commission Resolution 5-06-12 in this manual.)

Municipalities

Please contact the respective municipal departments below for applicable zoning ordinances pertaining to political signs.

  • City of Brentwood - Codes Compliance: (615) 371-2204
  • City of Fairview - Codes Compliance: (615) 799-1585
  • City of Franklin - Codes Compliance: (615) 794-7012
  • Town of Nolensville - Codes Compliance: (615) 776-3633
  • Town of Spring Hill - Codes Compliance: (931) 486-2252 (ext. 212)
  • Town of Thompson’s Station - Codes Compliance: (615) 794-4333

Campaign Boundaries (T.C.A. § 2-2-117)

On Election Day and during early voting, there is a one hundred (100) foot campaign-free zone outside the entrance to the polling place. The boundary is measured from the entrances of the polling place; however, it may not exceed the property line of the polling place. Campaigning, distribution of campaign materials, or the wearing of articles of clothing of a political nature that are in support or in opposition to a candidate or issue (caps, t-shirts, hats, or buttons) are not allowed in this area as well. The officer of elections at the Election Day polling place or any member of the staff of the election commission at an early voting site is responsible for the enforcement of this provision of the statute.

Removal of Campaign Materials (T.C.A. § 2-1-116)

After the conclusion of a primary, general, or special election, candidates in such election shall be responsible for the removal of any signs, posters, or placards advocating their candidacy which has been placed on publicly owned property. The removal of such materials shall be accomplished within a reasonable period of time following the election, not to exceed three (3) weeks.

Highlights of T. C. A. § 2-19-120

Commonly Referred to as the “Disclaimer Law”

  1. What does the Disclaimer Law require?
    1. T.C.A. § 2-19-120 requires that a “disclaimer,” i.e., a statement, which identifies who paid for a communication and whether the communication is authorized by the candidate, appear and be presented in a clear and conspicuous manner within a communication expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, or soliciting contributions.
    2. The disclaimer does not have to appear on the front face of the communication, unless the communication only contains a front face, for example, billboards.
    3. The specifics of the information required in the disclaimer can be found at T.C.A. § 2-19-120(a)(1), (2), (3) and (4).
  2. To whom does it apply?  Candidates
    1. Definition of Candidate– T. C. A. § 2-10-102(3) provides that "Candidate" means an individual who has made a formal announcement of candidacy or who is qualified under the law of this state to seek nomination for election or elections to public office, or has received contributions or made expenditures except for incidental expenditures to determine if one shall be a candidate, or has given consent for a campaign committee to receive contributions or make expenditures with a view to bringing about the individual's nomination for election or election to state public office.
  3. When does the statute apply? Whenever any person:
    1. Makes an expenditure to finance a communication which expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, or
    2. Solicits any contribution, through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, poster, yard sign, direct mailing or any other form of general public political advertising.
    3. Exceptions:
      1. The requirements of this section do not apply to bumper stickers, pins, buttons, pens, novelties, and similar small items upon which the disclaimer cannot be conveniently printed.
      2. The requirements of this section do not apply to communications regarding questions on the ballot.
  4. What is the penalty for its violation?  Class C misdemeanor
  5. Who enforces the statute?  The District Attorney General

Questions regarding the interpretation and enforcement of T.C.A. § 2-19-120 should be directed to the District Attorney General.