Signs don't vote – OR DO THEY??
Why are there so many political signs around town? Now you know.
You know the saying: "Signs don't vote, people do." But is it really true?
Apparently not, as huge numbers of political signs lined up at the Walker County Annex this week to cast their ballot in early voting. The line stretched all the way back to the street and lasted for hours, the signs amazingly patient and well-behaved as they waited their turn.
"This is a high-turnout election, particularly among the signs," said Sam Houston State University Communications Director Emily Binetti, answering a question from The Huntsvillan for the first time in her career. "Our political science faculty have talked about nothing else. Several research projects are in the works."
It is believed that the onrush of sign voting was sparked by the profusion of Trey Wharton signs around town, with one seemingly on every other street corner. "What is Wharton doing?" other candidates asked. Once they figured it out, they went all-in.
"I've heard of sign wars," said one veteran political observer, "but this is next level."
A fortunate accident
How did people come to realize that signs could vote? It happened by accident, when a Gina Hinojosa sign in Elkins Lake was spotted sporting an "I voted" sticker.
"Whoa," people said, "a Democrat in Elkins Lake." Just kidding! It was, "whoa, signs can vote." And the rest is history.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wasn't buying it. In a press conference earlier this week, he announced that he was taking the signs to court. "This is plainly voter fraud," he said. Paxton v. 200 Pounds of Colored Plastic is expected to go to trial early next year.
But not every candidate has gotten the message. When reached for comment, Wharton's opponent, Andie Ho, said "wait – signs can vote? Why am I sitting here talking to you?" Then she rushed off the phone to buy more signs.