Everything you Need to Know About Lawn Signs

When people ask me who I’m voting for, I usually just point to the lawn signs in front of my house. I try to do my homework before every election, and over the years, some neighbors have told me they appreciate that and pay attention to who I support. It’s a small-town thing. Seeing a lawn sign in front of someone’s house can carry weight. It’s a quiet but clear endorsement, and those personal touches really do matter in local elections.

Why Lawn Signs Matter
Lawn signs are more than just campaign clutter. They’re strategic tools that work for you around the clock.

• They act as endorsements: When someone displays your sign, they’re publicly signaling their support. In small towns where everyone knows each other, that can be a huge influence. Voters often think, “Well, if they’re supporting her, she must be the real deal.”
• They increase name recognition: Let’s be honest. Voters often arrive at the polls planning to vote for president or governor, but when they reach the bottom of the ballot, they rely on whatever names sound familiar. A sign seen repeatedly over weeks or months can make the difference between getting skipped and getting selected.
• They create a sense of momentum: A town full of your signs tells people you’re viable and serious. It makes you look organized and well-supported. That psychological impact can be incredibly motivating, for both undecided voters and volunteers.

How to Gather Addresses
The key is to keep the request constant and visible in every aspect of your campaign.

• Social media posts: Share a sign-up link frequently. Post photos of your signs in action and invite others to join in. 
• Volunteer sign-ups and event RSVPs: Include a lawn sign request option on every form. If someone is motivated enough to attend an event or knock on doors, they’re probably happy to put a sign out front.
• Ask friends and family directly: Personal outreach goes a long way. Send texts. Make calls. Say, “Hey, would you be willing to put a sign on your lawn? We’ll even deliver it!”
• At every event: Bring a clipboard or tablet with the sign-up form. Put it front and center at your table. Volunteers can help collect addresses while mingling.
• Canvassing and phone banking: If someone seems especially enthusiastic during a conversation, that’s your moment to ask: “Would you be open to putting up a sign?” Make it easy and offer to deliver it yourself.
• Tap into past support: If Democrats ran for office in your town last year, reach out and ask if you can follow up with their lawn sign supporters. Many of those folks are likely to support you, too. It saves time and builds on existing goodwill.

Staying Organized
A well-organized sign operation makes all the difference.

• Use a Google Form: Create a simple form that asks for name, address, and whether they want a large or small sign. Keep the link handy and post it everywhere.
• Track deliveries in a spreadsheet: Know who has received a sign, who still needs one, and where they’re located. This helps you plan efficient delivery routes and prevents double-signing.
• Update regularly: Don’t let it get out of date. Assign someone on your team to check and update the list weekly. This makes sure you’re ready for that big sign drop later.

Get Your Whole Team Involved
This is not a one-person job. Every team member should help build the sign network.

• Empower everyone to ask: Whether they’re part of the communications team or just your cousin who’s helping with events, make sure every team member is asking their network, “Do you want a sign?”
• Make the process easy: Share the form link with your team and post it in your campaign Slack or text thread. Give them sample language they can use in messages.
• Highlight the perks: Make it clear that signs are free and that they’ll be delivered. If you can, offer to collect them after the election too. This makes it a no-brainer for supporters.

The Secret Lawn Sign Brigade
Here’s where the magic happens. This little strategy can turn a good sign effort into an unforgettable one.

• Plan a pre-sunset party: About two hours before dark, gather 10 to 15 volunteers. Feed them pizza or sandwiches and ask them to assemble all the signs. This way you'll be set for the season!
• Divide and conquer: Then, assign streets or neighborhoods to each team. This makes sure no area is missed and avoids overlap.
• Document everything: Ask volunteers to take photos and short videos of signs going up. Capture the joy and teamwork. These visuals make for fantastic social media posts the next day.
• Create buzz overnight: When everyone wakes up the next morning, they’ll see your signs all over town. That kind of coordinated impact makes people talk. It shows you’re organized, supported, and ready to lead.

Final Thoughts
Lawn signs may seem small, but they add up to a big presence. Ask early, ask often, and stay organized. Your sign network is a visual campaign of its own, one that speaks to your community day after day.

Let me know if you want help designing a Google Form or drafting a sample social post to start collecting addresses!