Exactly where do candidate election signs go after the votes are cast and winners are declared?

This year many of the defunct signs found their way to the front yard of one Oak Harbor home off Sixth Street, likely as part of a political prank.

In all seriousness, the signs must come down at some point. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, election signs along the state highway system need to be removed no later than 10 days after the election. The same rule applies for the removal of all campaign signs, within 10 days of the end of an election, according to state law.

So these tangible campaign reminders have about a week to go – but where do the hundreds of now-familiar signs flock to?

Oak Harbor City Councilman Jim Campbell says they usually end up in one of three places: Signs either go to the Republican or Democratic party offices, into storage for another election season or in the dumpster if the candidate knows that they won’t pursue another term, he said.

Roadways and lawns soon should be free and clear of signs, that is until next campaign season.