This is a big election year for state and some local offices.

Already the political signs have popped up on the landscape. If an individual wants to plant a sign in his or her yard to show support for a candidate, that’s fine. If a candidate owns property and wants to place a sign on the lot, that’s fine.

But candidates whose supporters line rights of way with signs or who tack them on utility poles should know better.

A long line of signs does not influence. That particular long line litters. A single sign halfway poked into the ground on a public curb is unattractive.

Other than common sense, there’s not much to do about the sign issue in Selma. A search of the online ordinance by The Selma Times-Journal under “signs,” “elections,” “candidates” and “campaigns” turned up no local laws against sign placement on the side of the road for candidates.

Selma is about to enter a period of high visibility, first with Bridge Crossing Jubilee, the Spring Pilgrimage and later with the re-enactment of the Battle of Selma. All three events will occur before the general election in November.

Then, in October the city will pick up with Market Day and the Tale Tellin’ , also before the general election.

Candidates don’t often have control over their supporters. But for the sake of the visitors coming to town, those candidates should drive around, ensure their signs are tastefully placed and pick up those that present eyesores.

That kind of considerate action might make the difference in a vote or two later this year.