politics - Signage Compliance, Design Tips & News

September 3, 2019November 20, 2020

2020 Presidential Campaign Dates

Interracial Group of People Waving Small American Flags

[UPDATED: 8/14/20]

The right to vote is an integral element to the United States electoral system. With the 2020 Presidential election rapidly approaching, it is imperative to follow along if you plan on participating. Throughout the next year, there will be many important dates and events to remember in order for you to exercise your right to vote. Passionate support for a candidate is well and good, but making an informed decision on who you vote for is important on guiding the direction of your town, county, state, and country.

We have aggregated major 2020 campaign dates to ensure that you to stay updated during the election season.

While the elections aren’t until November 2020, the campaign trail starts in 2019. The Democratic Party held six debates over the course of 2019. They have planned for four more for the first part of 2020.

At the time of writing this post, the Republican Party has not scheduled any debates.

- June 26-27

Candidates addressed a variety of topics and their involvement from Medicare for All, environmental dangers, and geopolitical issues. NBC hosted the debates on their networks.¹

Watch the full debates on NBC’s YouTube channel here and here.

- July 30-31

Candidates addressed healthcare and immigration primarily. CNN hosted the debates.²

Full transcripts of the debates can be found on NBC’s site here and here.

- September 12

Candidates primarily debated over healthcare. However, they also touched on foreign relations and pulling forces out of Afghanistan. ABC and Univision aired the most recent Democratic debate.⁴

You can read the full transcript of the third Democratic debate on ABC’s website or watch the debate on ABC’s YouTube Channel.

- October 15

The 12 qualifying candidates discussed a wide range of topics including the impeachment inquiry, foreign policy, and job loss due to automation. CNN and The New York Times hosted the debate.⁵

You can watch the debate on CNN’s website or read the full transcript on The Washington Post.

- November 20

The fifth 2019 Democratic Debate was held on November 20^th and hosted by MSNBC and The Washington Post.⁶ Candidates addressed racial inequality, Medicare, and housing.

You can watch the debate on MSNBC or read the transcript on NBC News.

- December 19

The sixth 2019 Democratic Debate was held December 19^th. PBS NewsHour and Politico hosted the event.⁷ Candidates addressed the on-going impeachment process, changes in trade, healthcare, and foreign policy.

Watch the full debate on the PBS NewsHour YouTube Channel or read the transcript at The Washington Post.

This was the last Democratic debate of the year.

Most of the election cycle will take place over the course of 2020. From February until November, candidates will campaign across the country in bids to gain traction over their opponents.

- January 14

The seventh Democratic candidate debate was hosted by CNN and The Des Moines Register. Participants discussed foreign trade and relations as well as healthcare, prescription drug prices, impeachment, and climate change.⁸

Watch the full debate on CNN or read the transcript on Rev.com.

- February 7

Healthcare was a major topic for the candidates. But, they also addressed their electability and foreign and domestic policies.

Hosted by ABC, WMUR-TV, and Apple News. You can watch the full debate on the ABC News YouTube channel.⁹

- February 19

As with most of the previous debates, the discussed topics varied. But, common topics included climate change, electability, and domestic policy. This was the first debate Michael Bloomberg participated in.

Hosted by NBC News and MSNBC. You can watch the full debate at NBCNews.com or read the transcript here .¹⁰

- February 25

The seven candidates discussed much of the same topics including electability and domestic and foreign policies. Hosted by CBS News and The Congressional Black Caucus Initiative.

Watch the debate on the CBS New YouTube channel or read the full transcript here.¹¹

- March 15

Only two candidates, Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden, qualified for this debate. Both candidates discussed the coronavirus pandemic, our healthcare system, and the economy.

This Democratic debate was hosted by CNN, Univision, and CHC Bold. Watch the full debate on CNN.com or read the transcript at Rev.com.¹²

Once the Democratics decides who will represent the party, most of the 2020 race will consist of the states holding primaries or caucuses.

What is the difference between primaries and caucuses? The difference between the two can be confusing as they accomplish the same goal; they determine which candidates will run for the presidency.

Caucuses are localized meetings where registered voters gather to elect delegates who will attend conventions to elect political candidates. Typically, attendees may only attend caucuses that are held by their registered party.

Primaries are statewide voting processes that allow voters to directly choose their preferred candidate. Registered voters submit secret ballots for their chosen candidate which are then tallied. There are two types of primary; Open Primaries and Closed Primaries. In an open primary, an individual may cast a vote for any valid candidate no matter their registered party, and in a closed primary, votes may only be submitted for candidates within an individual’s party.³

The primaries and caucuses held across the country are scheduled ahead of time for voters to prepare and educate themselves on the potential candidates.

Some states pushed their primary dates back due to public health concerns.

Click here for a full list of primary and caucus dates by state and territory.

Once the primaries and caucuses have ended, the Democratic and Republican parties will hold conventions. These conventions are held to announce the official presidential candidates from each party. The nominations will be announced here and the last few months of campaigning will begin.

The Democratic National Convention was pushed back from July to August.

Convention Dates:

Democratic National Convention: August 17-20, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Republican National Convention: August 24-27, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina

Election day is November 3rd, 2020. In order for you to exercise your right to vote, you will need to register. Each state has its own laws concerning registration deadlines, so be sure you check to see if you are registered or how to register with a site like Vote.org.

Also check to see if your state has early voting procedures or vote by mail options. Military service members and spouses have the option to participate in absentee voting if they are stationed away from their residence.

Find out where your closest polling station is and make sure it is within your precinct, and help others find your station with directional yard signs. You will be assigned a polling station based on your address, so you will need to go there in order to cast your ballot. If you go to a different station, you will not be listed and not allowed to vote.

Inauguration day for the 2020 elections is January 20, 2021. This will mark the start of the new or continued administration based on the results from the election.

CustomSigns.com is your destination for all of your election and political signage. Find proposition signs, signs for local elections, signs by presidential candidate, and more.

We will update this post when new information becomes available.

NOTE: Many of these dates are still subject to change.

Month	Date	State & Type
February	3rd	Iowa caucuses
	11th	New Hampshire primaries
	22nd	Nevada Democratic caucuses
	29th	South Carolina Democratic primary
March	3rd	Alabama Primaries
		American Samoa Democratic caucus
		Arkansas primaries
		California primaries
		Colorado primaries
		Maine primaries
		Massachusetts primaries
		Minnesota primaries
		North Carolina primaries
		Oklahoma primaries
		Tennessee primaries
		Texas primaries
		Utah primaries
		Vermont primaries
		Virginia Democratic primary
		Democrats Abroad primaries
	10th	Idaho primaries
		Michigan primaries
		Mississippi primaries
		Missouri primaries
		North Dakota caucuses
		Washington primaries
	12th	Virgin Islands Republican caucus
	14th	Guam Republican caucus
	14th	Northern Marianas Democratic caucuses
	15th	Northern Marianas Republican caucuses
	17th	Arizona Democratic primary
		Florida primaries
		Illinois primaries
	24th	American Samoa Republican caucus
April	4th	Hawaii Democratic primary
	7th	Wisconsin primaries
	10th	Alaska Democratic primary
	17th	Wyoming Democratic caucuses
	28th	Ohio primaries
May	2nd	Guam Democratic caucus
	2nd	Kansas Democratic primary
	9th	Wyoming Republican conventions
	12th	Nebraska primaries
	19th	Oregon primaries
June	2nd	District of Columbia primaries
		Indiana primaries
		Maryland primaries
		Montana primaries
		New Mexico primaries
		Pennsylvania primaries
		Pennsylvania Democratic primaries
		Rhode Island primaries
		South Dakota primaries
	6th	Virgin Islands Democratic caucuses
	7th	Puerto Rico Republican primary
	9th	Georgia primaries
	9th	West Virginia primaries
	23rd	Kentucky primaries
	23rd	New York Democratic primary
July	7th	New Jersey primaries
	7th	Delaware primaries
	11th	Louisiana primaries
	12th	Puerto Rico Democratic primary
August	11th	Connecticut primaries
Cancelled		Alaska Republican conventions
		Arizona Republican primary
		Hawaii Republican caucuses
		Kansas Republican caucuses
		Nevada Republican caucuses
		New York Republican primary
		South Carolina Republican primary
		Virginia Republican primary

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November 15, 2018June 23, 2020

Choose the Best Materials to Make Your Signs Work for You

Have you ever considered how many times a day signs affect your life? Road signs, menu board signs, entrance, exit, and restroom signs, grocery store signs, storefront signs, election signs, movie marquis, the list is endless! We continually look to signs for information and guidance, often without being consciously aware. According to NVISION, a supply chain management organization, 90 percent of the information transmitted to our brains is visual, and most people are 6.5 times more likely to recall visual information after three days than auditory information. Well thought out signs are ideal for relaying messages that you want or need others to know and remember.

Once you have developed your message, displaying that message on the appropriate sign is equally as important. Materials matter. Quality custom signage is a worthwhile investment that is most likely to return dividends far beyond its initial cost. Here, we’ll answer some key sign questions that will help you make informed, effective decisions about which signs will best meet your needs.

Three Best Outdoor Sign Materials

What is Sintra Board?

Sintra Board is one of the best sign materials for withstanding extreme weather conditions and maintaining its integrity through long term exposure to the elements. This rigid, weatherproof, non-flexible paneling material is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), resists warping or bending, and does not break easily. Sintra Board effortlessly absorbs color and has a low gloss, matte finish. Often used for permanent outdoor signage, Sintra Board also is ideal for real estate and yard signs.

What is Coroplast?

The brand name for corrugated plastic, Coroplast is also referred to as plastic cardboard. An ultra-lightweight zigzagged Coroplast sheet is placed between two smooth sheets of plastic to form signs of various shapes and sizes. While Coroplast is durable, waterproof and weather resistant, it is an economical option best used as temporary outdoor signage, for example, election signs, holiday special signs, car wash signs, open house signs, or custom neighborhood yard signs, just to name a few. Coroplast is easily affixed to H-Stakes or mounted into frames for ready-to-go use.

What is Dibond?

Dibond is an aluminum composite that is made by filling two aluminum sheets with a polyethylene core. Exceptionally durable and resembling the structural integrity of metal, Dibond can be cut into a variety of custom shapes and sizes, perfect for creating signs that stand out from the others. This lightweight, rigid material is weather resistant, noncorrosive, available in a multitude of colors, and can be made with a matte, glossy, or mirrored finish. Because of its versatility and appeal, common uses include outdoor signage and temporary setups such as kiosks or exhibition stands.

The Best Indoor Sign Materials

What is Gator Board?

Commonly used for temporary yard signs, Gator Board is a firm, lightweight material ideal for permanent indoor signs. Manufactured from a dense foam interior placed between two wood fiber veneers, these veneers superbly absorb vivid, full color inks and images that will stand the test of time. Water, scratch, and dent resistant, Gator Board is known for its structural integrity. Gator Board also is used for mounting posters and photographs and makes attractive conference or temporary kiosk displays.

What is Foam Core?

Best for indoor and temporary uses, foam core is made of a dense piece of foam placed between two layers of thick matte paper. With its low glare finish and versatility, it is often used for classroom projects like science fair displays. Foam core also works well for presentations or temporary store displays.

What is Ultra Board?

Because Ultra Board is made with a covering of polystyrene plastic, it is considered one of the most durable indoor sign materials. This material is scratch and warp resistant and is able to be cut or folded to support its own weight, for example freestanding life size Ultra Board cut outs that often feature celebrities.

At Customsigns.com, our Design Your Sign From Scratch page is the ideal starting point for creating signs that will perfectly fit your needs. Follow our link to get started today!

Can Yard Signs be Recycled?

Most yard signs are recyclable! If your yard signs are made of corrugated plastic (Coroplast) and metal H-Stakes, simply separate the stakes from the signs and place them in your recycle bin or drop them at your nearest recycling center. Polypropylene, a main component of most plastics, is not biodegradable. Therefore, recycling is a much better option than making a long term contribution to your local landfill.

What Other Signs or Sign Components are Recyclable?

Recycling guidelines vary widely within counties, communities, and other municipal jurisdictions. To help you determine whether your specific signs (or parts thereof) are recyclable, contact your local recycling facility. In addition, below are the most common recycling symbols and the materials they represent.

1 – Polyethylene Terephalate Ethylene (PETE)

Soft drink, juice, water, detergent, cleanser, cooking, and peanut butter jars.

2 – High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent, and shampoo containers, plastic bags and grocery sacks, motor oil bottles, household cleansers, and butter tubs.

3 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Window cleaner, detergent bottles, water jugs, cooking oils, and peanut butter jars.

4 – Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Plastic bags and grocery sacks, film packaging, and some bottles.

5 – Polypropylene (PP)

Syrup bottles, yogurt tubs, caps, straws, and film packaging.

6 – Polystyrene (PS)

Egg cartons, meat trays, plates, flatware, carry out containers, and clear trays.

7 – Other

Resins or plastic combinations.

For more information on how to make custom signs work for your business, please see our related blog posts:

Tips for Designing Visually Effective and Interesting Signs

Making Temporary Signs Work for You

Political Yard Signs, What You Should Know

December 21, 2015April 2, 2019

‘Tis The Season For Political Signs!

Bernie Sanders Yard Signs — Photo courtesy of johnsoncitypress.com

2015 is rapidly coming to a close and with it, the start of the 2016 campaign season. And while it may seem crazy for candidates to begin their respective campaigns a whole year and a half in advance of the actual elections, over the years that has grown to become the case. This time for the upcoming 2016 presidential election we’ve seen an unprecedented number of both lifelong politicians as well as newcomers to the political sphere throwing their hats into the ring in hope of achieving the number one job in the country.

With a number of debates having already taken place as well as a number of dropouts already, American citizens are wasting no time in picking and choosing those candidates whom they plan to endorse. Countless donors are throwing money at campaigns in hopes of helping to finance their cause. As it turns out, it seems as though beginning one’s campaign a year and a half ahead of time is almost necessary in today’s world.

Their campaign managers seem to know what they’re doing as a well, over 8.5 million people tuned in to the last Democratic debate and a record breaking 18 million tuned into the most recent 12/15 Republican Debate. According to countless polls, the citizens of the US are already picking and choosing their own candidates to endorse on a personal level. Millions are finding themselves flocking to candidate led town hall meetings and rallies to show their support and hear the propositions of the would-be presidents.

But while yes, the candidates thrive off of the vocal support of their followers, they also have come to rely on their financial support as well. Much like rock bands profit from the sale of their merchandise, so do the political candidates profit from their political merchandise such as buttons, t-shirts, bumper stickers, and yard signs.

Yard signs in particular are quite popular. More obvious than buttons, less permanent than a bumper sticker, yard signs are perfect for those who wish to advertise their political leanings without going overboard but still looking to make a statement. But with the arrival of the political season, and therefore the arrival of political yard signs, comes the need for clarified sign regulations.

Whether on the federal, state, or county level, sign regulations are always something to take into account when posting any kind of sign in your yard. This past year has been a big year for updating outdated sign regulations such as in the Supreme Court Case of Reed vs. Town of Gilbert in which a floating church with no concrete meeting house challenged the sign regulations of their home town of Gilbert and won.

As a result of this ruling, many counties and states are now taking the time to re-evaluate their own regulations. For example, the county of Lafayette in Mississippi has recently taken steps to clarify their existing sign regulations and make changes where necessary according to an article in The Oxford Eagle.

Therefore in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling and so many states and counties taking the time to look over their existing regulations, it would be a safe bet to double check your area’s sign regulations before investing in a temporary sign for your front lawn. Because despite even the most harmless of intentions, no one wants to find themselves in hot water.

June 9, 2015April 2, 2019

Custom Signs Gears Up For The 2016 Presidential Election!

***Appended with new content 11-25-2015

A lot has happened in the political world since our June 7th post! As expected, the field of presidential contenders has continued to grow and shrink. After two Democratic debates and four Republican, things are beginning to get serious – even arguably the most unpredictable republican candidate in recent memory Donald Trump himself, has reigned in the antics lately and has adopted a more serious tone.

While the Democrats ended up with five candidates in total, only three remain in the race after former Gov. of Rhode Island Lincoln Chafee and former U.S. Senator from Virginia Jim Webb both called it quits. And while the field of republican hopefuls were nearly triple the amount of the Democrats, only three have suspended their campaigns; Rick Perry, Scott Walker, and most recently Bobby Jindal. For those who remain, the recent and upcoming debates have given them the ability to make their case before the American people as to why they should be elected President of the United States.

As a result of these debates which are being held on a variety of topics, your support is crucial to your candidates survival in the race. Countless campaign offices are being set up all over the country to help spread the word on each of their respective candidates. But no matter how much air time on television a candidate receives, nothing means more than gaining the support of the people and inspiring them to go out with their bumper stickers, buttons, and yard signs recruit others to do the same!***

A slew of presidential hopefuls are getting ready for 2016 – are you?

Every four years throughout our nation’s history, our political sphere gets turned on its head as we debate the concepts of change. Depending upon whether the incumbent President opts to run for office again or vacate, we tend to be left with plenty of candidates to get to know. Each of them proposes new and sometimes controversial plans aimed at improving the way things are done in Washington. This is then usually followed by the candidates explaining just why they are the right man or woman to implement these changes.

As far back as May, the presidential hopefuls had already begun circling the political arena – ready, willing, and waiting to kick off their campaigns and start the long journey to the White House. Now with over fourteen major Presidential hopefuls on both sides of the aisle, things are beginning to heat up and while there are four candidates currently running for the Democratic Nomination, there are a whopping ten presidential hopefully on the Republican side of things.

When there are this many contenders in the race, every campaign donation counts. That’s why year after year, politicians come out swinging and doing everything they can for your die-hard support. So just how can you help your favorite candidate along their journey?

When it comes to helping your favorite candidate get elected to office, there are usually four different routes you can take – you can volunteer your time, you can donate your hard earned money, you can advertise for them by telling your friends, family neighbors, and fellow drivers that you support Mr./Ms. Politician, or you can do all of the above.

Whether you opt to actively volunteer your time to help out on the campaign trail or to support them from the sidelines, we’ve been hard at work designing and gearing up own offices and equipment for our new collection of Political Products. Just in time for the onslaught of the 2016 election, we’ve been watching all of the campaign announcements flood in (yes, we’re looking at you GOP contenders!) and are updating our site as soon as new contenders enter the race!

Here at CustomSigns.com we’re here to help you anyway we can and as a result we’ve compiled a whole host of new designs crafted with each of the candidates in mind as well as their campaign logo’s, slogan’s, hashtags and more! With such a selection, you can feel free to support your favorite candidate in any way that your choose!

Each and every one of our products are made with only the highest quality materials with our state of the art equipment and produced by our seasoned and skilled employees. We work hard to manufacture your products as quickly as possible and send them out to you.

Take a stand for what you believe in and order your new political flair today!

Tag: politics

2020 Presidential Campaign Dates

[UPDATED: 8/14/20]

Election Dates

2019 Dates

2019 Democratic Debate Schedule

2020 Dates

2020 Democratic Debate Schedule

Primary or Caucus?

Primary & Caucus Dates

Party Conventions

Voting Reminders

Inauguration Day