Change to increase display of political signs from 30 days to 45 day, officials say

By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(April 30, 2026) The timeframe for allowing election signs to be posted in Ocean Pines is likely to be extended, association officials said this week, assuming that Gov. Wes Moore signs the recently passed Senate Bill 758 into law.

At a meeting of the Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors on Saturday, board member Elaine Brady presented a first reading of potential changes to OPA’s architectural guidelines, specifically requirements pertaining to political candidate and referendum signs.

Under the adjustments, displaying political signs would be permitted 45 days before early voting, rather than OPA’s existing 30-day window.

“A key change under this new law is that signs may now be permitted to be posted 45 days prior to the beginning of early voting, not just election day,” said association attorney Bruce Bright. “That’s a key change to the existing statutory situation.”

The amendment comes by way of Maryland Senate Bill 758, titled “Common Ownership Communities – Candidate or Proposition Signs – Display Period.”

The legislation was introduced during the 2026 session of the Maryland General Assembly and applies to homeowner associations, condominiums, and cooperatives.

The bill synopsis reads, “Altering to 45 days before voting and early voting for a primary election, general election, or vote on a proposition, the time period during which a common ownership community may restrict the display of candidate or proposition signs.”

Sign removal is required within seven days after the primary election, general election, or vote on a proposition.

While the bill limits an HOA’s right to restrict when signs may be posted, it allows these communities to retain ownership of rules governing sign placement in common areas.

Brady noted that in OPA, political signs are only permitted on private property.

“I would like to add that when signs are being put up by politicians, they need to make sure that they’re on the homeowner’s property,” she said. “That means from the ditch to the street and along the medians are not allowed. Just want to make sure when you’re giving your signs out to people that they are aware of where they can put them.”

SB758 was cross-filed with House Bill 855 as an emergency measure to coincide with the June 2026 primary election, and was marked as passed on April 9. Brady maintained that the changes presented this week to OPA’s architectural guidelines—to reflect the statewide regulation—were a first reading only.

A second reading will be voted on at a later date, provided that Moore signs the bill into law.

“This will happen if Gov. Moore signs the bill,” Brady said. “We just want to be proactive on that, and we expect him to do so.”

OPA Board of Directors President John Latham added that once the governor signs the legislation, the board will likely hold a special meeting or conduct an email vote to advance the architectural guideline changes.