Campaign Materials & Guidelines

Campaigns Outside The Office of Elections

During the 45-day early voting period before an election, candidates may campaign outside the 40-foot line of the Office of elections and Voter Registration. More information on the Electoral Board's policy can be found here (PDF).

Political Signs

Loudoun County candidates who wish to post political signs must comply with local ordinances (both Loudoun County and incorporated town); the Code of Virginia Title 24.2, Chapter 9.5; and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) regulations.

Loudoun County reminds everyone of the importance of calling 811 before digging. Virginia state law requires anyone who digs to notify Virginia 811 before starting. Digging can be dangerous and costly without knowing where underground facilities are located. By calling Virginia 811, you contact all member utilities with one call. More information is online at va811.com.

The Electoral Board has no authority to regulate political signs. Any questions or complaints related to posting of campaign signs in a road or street right-of-way should be directed to Zoning Enforcement at 703-777-0246.

• Complaints about political signs in the right-of-way can be submitted online through Loudoun Express Request.

Questions and complaints regarding signs in an incorporated town should be directed to the individual town offices in Hamilton, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville or Round Hill. 

Permit Process

Campaigns should apply for a zoning permit for the placement of campaign signs throughout the county. Campaign signs are designated as “temporary” signs per Section 5-1204(D)(5)(a) of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. As part of the Zoning Permit Application, a graphic is required showing the dimensions of the signs along with a map of the property showing the location of the sign on the property as well as the distance from the right-of-way and property lines. The maximum size of a campaign sign is 32 feet. The fee for filing a Zoning Permit Application is $10.

• Questions about campaign sign permits may be submitted to the county through Loudoun Express Request.

 Sample Ballots

On sample ballots, any official authority statement of a local electoral board or the State Board of Elections must be deleted, and replaced with the publishing candidate's or group's authority statement (or disclaimer). For federal offices, the authorization notice required by federal law must be used. For all other offices, the required identification on campaign material is specified in the Code of Virginia.

For details, see the State Board of Elections website under Laws and Policies and look for the summary of campaign finance laws for a candidate or for your type of group / committee. Samples of any ballot (or part of a ballot) cannot be printed on white paper and must contain the words "Sample Ballot" in type no smaller than 24 point.

More Information

If you have questions relating to either these basic or the additional requirements for identification of print media, radio and television campaign advertisements, contact the State Board of Elections Campaign Finance Division at 800-552-9745 or email the office.