Signs placed by the thousands around our area in support of political candidates are a tangible remainder of the just-concluded election season.
While we share some of the distaste many local residents have about political signs, they are proof of the health of our system of government, and of the First Amendment - freedom of speech - to our Constitution. Hard-fought campaigns for office are part of what makes our nation great.
But as we have commented in the past, leaving the signs in place after an election amounts to no more than littering. A few candidates, whether they win or lose elections, don't seem to worry about removing their promotional signs.
On the other hand, we recall often seeing former Assemblyman William Parment out and about in boots and blue jeans right after Election Day personally collecting his campaign signs.
In any event, political signs should not be left in place more than a few days after the election. Removing one's campaign signs promptly after an election is a demonstration of responsibility.
Leaving them in place for weeks or months is a signal of irresponsibility - and it is something voters should remember.