When designing the layout of a yard sign the thing to keep in mind is Simplicity and Brevity, lets face it, most signs are viewed while driving. With that in mind, you have to communicate in just a few words and use color and graphic symbolism. The most important factors to communicate are: ID and Office:
- Candidate Identification and,
- Office you are running for.

With a common, like SMITH, it may be advisable to include your first name (like, Frank or Ofelia) in the design to distinguish yourself from other Smiths and avoid potential voter confusion, (previous candidates in the same local area, relatives, spouses, other "infamous" characters with the same last name, etc). First names need not be in the same type font or size as the last name (perhaps smaller), since this could detract from the last name. The name must be prominent and readable: from a distance of 30 to 100 feet and while moving at around 30 mph!

The length of a name may need to be considered when choosing the size and orientation of your sign. Shorter names will fit easily onto smaller signs or ones orientates in the "portrait" direction. Longer names will require the use of "landscape" orientation and/or a larger sign.

Name to office, not the seat ! Associate the candidate name with the office (NC House (vs) 5th District North Carolina House of Representatives, or School Board (vs) Polk County Board of Education Ward 5). Since you are running in your district, you don't need to mention it - although if you are running for an "At Large" position you might want to somehow work it in. Make sure that he position title is commonly recognizable and try to use nomenclature as close as possible to what will appear on the ballot. Try to avoid abbreviations - preferable none at all. The font size for the office should be smaller than the last name font size.

The term: "RE-ELECT" can be a plus since it identifies you as the incumbent. The term: "VETRAN" can be a plus, if you are running in a district that includes a military installation. The terms: Liberal or Conservative can be a big plus or a big minus depending upon the particular district and the mood of the race, you might consider leaving that part of your message for another media. The terms: Democrat or Republican are not really necessary and take up valuable word space, if you want to convey this idea, integrate a symbol into your sign (Donkey or Elephant). Phrases like: "VOTE for:" and dates such as , "On NOV 8TH Vote", should be avoided since they are not necessary and detract from your primary goal - displaying the CANDIDATE and the OFFICE.

Slogans - A slogan may be great for yard signs placed in parking lots and at stop lights, but most viewers of yard signs are moving about 30 miles per hour, and realistically your slogan can only be read by the owner of the house where the yard sign is placed!

These are great, and can be integrated into your sign theme....or become your theme if you don't already have one! Almost everyone universally recognizes the graphic symbolism of: a School House (for the School Board), a Five pointed Star ( for Sheriff), a Balance Scale (for a Judge), a Donkey (for Democrat), a Elephant (for Republican), a Statue of Liberty (for Libertarian), Flags or Stars and Stripes - can be used for almost any office !

Disclaimers - Finally, don't forget any required text: "Authorized and Paid for.." or what ever the exact wording and size and position is as dictated by your local and/or the state board of election (if any in NC). It is the candidate's responsibility to find out the regulations and make this known to the printer. This is what you call the real "small print".

Today, with some preplanning and the aid of modern communications, a yard sign Printer does not need to be in-town, using your telephone, fax, or with your computer on the internet you can find the particular design, style and price to meet your needs.