By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(July 6, 2023) The Ocean Pines Board elections are in full swing, and with that come election signs. Ocean Pines has specific guidance developed by the Architectural Review Committee on signs in the community.

• Signs cannot be displayed on any developed or vacant lot without the approval of the property owner.
• No political signs can be placed on or in any property, right of way, building, bulletin board, structure, road sign or tree owned by or under the control of the association.
• Only one sign per candidate may be displayed at any one time in the front of the property. Those property owners with waterfront or golf course lots and those backing on to Route 589, Route 90 or Beauchamp Road may place signs in the front and rear of their properties.
• After the elections, all signs must be taken down within seven days.

While the guidelines specifically focus on political signs, “In practice, OPA has allowed candidate signage for years,” Tom Piatti, the chair of the Election Advisory Committee said.

“So far, it appears that candidates and property owners are complying with the rules of the community.”

 Soon residents will see “Vote” signs popping up on Ocean Pines properties, according to Cheryl Jacobs, the chair of the Communications Advisory Committee.  The signs are being produced this week and will be unveiled at an event announcing the winners of the sign contest.

Important upcoming election dates include:

Voter eligibility deadline – Wednesday, July 6

Ballots mailed – Week of July 11

Ballot deadline – Tuesday, Aug. 8 by 4 p.m.

Ballots counted and vote totals announced – Thursday, Aug 10

Annual Meeting – Saturday, Aug. 12

The elections will be validated at the annual meeting.