“Not in My Front Yard”

Abstract

In this chapter, we explore the variety of ways that people react to yard signs. First, we examine how citizens perceive signs and the act of displaying a sign in general, testing common beliefs about signs, such as the idea that people find signs informative, aesthetically displeasing, and indicative of political division. Second, we examine how citizens perceive norms favoring or opposing campaign signs—or rules prohibiting them—to paint a picture of neighborhood environments across the country. Third, we examine emotional reactions to yard signs, noting that a sizable number of people react to signs with pride, anxiety, and anger. Finally, we address whether citizens share the skepticism of many pundits about the impact of signs, viewing signs through the lens of political efficacy. Throughout the chapter we find substantial differences in attitudes between sign displayers and non-displayers, but also differences across social contexts.