Yard Sign Wars

There's a war in America. It is fought in the front gardens (yards) of many an American family. It reaches far across the nation and is bitterly waged between neighbours who, only last year, may have waved warmly. No longer. Now, neighbours sneer and play a game of one-up on each other. I'm talking, dear reader, about Yard Sign Wars - an incredibly American institution that pits neighbour against neighbour.

The Fairfax office of Organizing for America has been inundated with requests for Yard Signs since I've been here. Unfortunately, there's been a shortage of them in the state and this has angered a lot of people - people who see the Romney campaign peppering yards with their signs and are unable to compete. I, personally, believe that spending money on Yard Signs is a bit of a waste. Firstly - they can't vote, so why spend money on them. Second - I can't believe that they would actually change anyone's mind as to who to vote for. Finally, I believe that the Obama campaign has much more important things to spend its money on - such as its social media platforms or its grassroots campaign. 

However, there is something to be said for them in terms of supporter morale. If all you see are 'Romney Ryan' signs populating people's lawns, or 'ObamaNo', then you will probably feel isolated and alone in your support for the President. However, if you begin to see more Obama signs pop up, you'll feel like part of something, possibly more likely to turn out to the polls (seeing that Obama has a chance) and maybe even become more likely to volunteer. Especially if you have a yard sign yourself that has been surrounded by Romney signs for a long time. I've seen huge Romney signs at busy intersections, signs placed right up against the property line of people's homes, even outside schools so that everyone has to walk past them. This has to be slightly demoralising to Obama supporters, and I understand their frustrations at the lack of Obama signage up.

The Fairfax office has finally got some signs in - but not enough to keep all the Democrats in the area happy. Their answer? A trade. A sign will be given to anyone that has completed a voluntary shift with the campaign, anyone who signs up to volunteer, or anyone who donates snacks or drinks to the office - to be given out to those volunteers who give up their time canvassing or at phone banks. Some see this as a terrible way to go about things and the campaign. However, with my previous reservations above, I think its great. Not only are we encouraging people to become more engaged with the campaign, but we are rewarding those who do so. 

As one unnamed supporter said to me; 'Yard Signs can't vote. If they do, maybe they'll be a priority. For now, we need to focus on the people'. I wholeheartedly agree.

Finally, above is a video which I hope explains the inspiration as to why I'm here. Enjoy.