HOLLY — The first campaign signs of the season have begun appearing across Holly, marking the start of the community’s annual nine-week lawn migration ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
The brightly colored rectangular specimens were initially spotted in small numbers on supporter lawns and high-visibility corner lots, but residents can expect populations to increase steadily through September before reaching peak density along major roads in October. Particularly desirable habitat includes large front yards, intersections with prolonged stop times and any property whose owner has previously demonstrated an inability to tell a candidate no.
“There’s just too many of them now,” said Holly Township resident Dale Mercer, watching several signs along his road Wednesday. “I’m not saying get rid of all of them, but I wish they’d give us a short hunting season just to keep the population under control.”
As the population grows, signs tend to establish themselves at regular intervals along road frontage, apparently avoiding direct competition with larger specimens. Researchers have also noted that they rarely cross into the public right-of-way, suggesting either a strong territorial instinct or an unusually advanced understanding of municipal code.
“I don’t care what anyone says. They’re beautiful,” said Village resident Tammy Jo Kincaid, whose lawn currently supports three signs. “Mine aren’t hurting anybody. I’m letting them stay as long as they want to.”
Most of Holly’s campaign-sign population is expected to begin its return migration shortly after Nov. 3, disappearing from lawns almost as quickly as it arrived. A small number will fail to make the journey and remain behind through winter, usually settling permanently against garage walls, shed interiors and basement workbenches.