Planning Election Signage: What Candidates Need to Consider Early

Election signage may seem straightforward, but it requires coordination across design, production and logistics.

Corflute signs are typically ordered in large quantities, particularly for federal, state and local campaigns covering broad electorates. During election periods, multiple campaigns may be ordering signage at the same time, which can place pressure on manufacturing schedules.

Leaving signage planning too late can create several challenges:

• Production schedules filling up quickly during peak demand
• Limited availability of preferred sizes or materials
• Delays caused by late artwork approvals
• Freight timelines becoming tight as election day approaches

By factoring signage into your campaign timeline early, you reduce the risk of last-minute stress and give your team more flexibility when planning placements across your electorate.

Early preparation also allows time to review designs, choose the most sustainable materials, coordinate volunteers and organise installation so that your signage appears consistently and strategically throughout the campaign.

One of the first questions campaign teams ask is: how many signs should we order?

Ranging between 50 to 2,000 generally, the answer will vary depending on several factors, including:

• The size of your electorate
• Your campaign visibility strategy
• The number of volunteers installing signage
• Your campaign budget
• The types of locations available for placement

Some campaigns focus on highly visible roadside locations, while others prioritise fence placements through community supporters. Others combine both strategies to maximise coverage.

Rather than focusing on a fixed number of signs, it’s often more helpful to consider where and how the signs will be used. Mapping out key roads, high-traffic intersections and supportive neighbourhoods can help guide quantity decisions.

If you are unsure about how many signs to order, speaking with an experienced supplier can help you estimate quantities based on your campaign scope and objectives.

Once you’ve decided on quantities and sizes, production timelines become the next important consideration.

One of the biggest delays in election signage production is late artwork finalisation. Changes to candidate photos, logos, colours or messaging close to the printing deadline can hold up production and push delivery dates back.

To avoid delays, campaigns should aim to:

• Finalise artwork as early as possible
• Confirm print-ready files before production begins
• Allow sufficient time for printing and finishing
• Factor in freight or delivery timelines

Production capacity can also vary significantly during election periods, particularly when multiple campaigns are ordering signage at the same time.

Working with an Australian manufacturer can help provide greater visibility over production schedules and reduce the risk of extended shipping timelines. Local production also ensures material quality and sustainable options like recycled Corflute® eco (made from 100% recycled content), which is important when producing signage in large volumes.

Election signs are often viewed quickly by passing motorists or pedestrians, which means clarity and simplicity are essential.

An effective corflute election sign should communicate the most important information instantly.

Some practical design tips include:

Keep the message simple
Most election signs feature the candidate’s name, party affiliation (if applicable) and a clear visual identity. Avoid overcrowding the design with too much information.

Use strong contrast
High contrast colours make signs easier to read from a distance. Bold colours and clean layouts help the text stand out.

Choose clear, legible fonts
Simple fonts are easier to read quickly, particularly from moving vehicles. Avoid overly decorative or thin typefaces.

Use a recognisable photo
If including a candidate photo, choose a clear, well-lit image that maintains consistency across other campaign materials.

Maintain brand consistency
Your signage should align with your broader campaign identity, including colours, logos and messaging used in other materials.

Good design not only improves readability but also reinforces professionalism and credibility throughout the campaign.

Before placing election signage throughout an electorate, it’s important to understand the relevant rules and regulations.

Local councils and electoral authorities may have guidelines regarding:

• Where signs can be placed
• The size of election signage
• When signs can be installed
• How long they can remain after election day

These requirements can vary between regions, so campaigns should review local regulations carefully before deploying signage.

Checking these rules early can prevent issues such as sign removal, fines or compliance concerns during the campaign.

While suppliers can provide guidance on typical sign sizes and formats, candidates should always confirm placement requirements with the relevant authorities.

With election campaigns building momentum in the lead-up to November, signage planning should ideally begin weeks or even months in advance.

Starting early allows campaigns to:

• Confirm signage quantities
• Finalise artwork and messaging
• Secure production slots
• Organise distribution and installation

Early planning also provides flexibility if additional signage is required during the campaign.

If you are beginning to prepare your election materials, now is the ideal time to review your signage needs and speak with a supplier about production timelines.

You can explore available options for Corflute election signage here:
https://corex.com.au/product/corflute-election-signs/

Election signage plays an important role during a campaign, but it’s equally important to consider what happens once the election is over.

Corflute is made from polypropylene, which means it can be recycled and reprocessed into new plastic products. However, not all signs marketed as “corflute” are the same. You can read more about what is Corflute here.

To ensure election signs can be responsibly recycled and remanufactured at the end of the campaign, they must be produced from genuine polypropylene Corflute®. In Australia, genuine Corflute® sheet is manufactured by Corex using recyclable polypropylene.

Some imported signage contains contaminants or mixed materials that may not be accepted by recycling programs, making end-of-life recovery far more difficult.

For campaigns that want to minimise waste and support responsible material recovery, it’s important to confirm that signage is printed on genuine Australian-made Corflute® sheets. This ensures the material can be collected, recycled and returned into the circular economy after the election.

Planning for both installation and recovery of signage help campaigns manage materials more responsibly and reduces the environmental impact of large-scale signage programs.

For election campaigns, consistency and reliability are essential. When ordering signage in large volumes, campaigns need confidence that materials will perform well and remain durable throughout the campaign period.

Corex manufactures Corflute products locally in Victoria, providing campaigns with a dependable source of high-quality recyclable polypropylene signage materials. Corex is also the exclusive manufacturer of Corflute® eco, an excellent choice for people seeking the most sustainable material for their election signs. Corflute® eco is made using post-consumer and post-industrial waste.

Some advantages of working with a specialist manufacturer include:

• Consistent material quality across large production runs
• Reliable production timelines during peak demand periods
• Local manufacturing and supply chain reliability
• Experience supporting both small campaigns and large-scale elections
• Corflute recycling at end of life

Corex works with a wide range of customers, from local council candidates through to major campaign teams ordering signage in bulk.

If you’re planning for an upcoming election, you can explore the available signage options or speak with the team about your campaign requirements.

Learn more about Corflute election signs here:
https://corex.com.au/product/corflute-election-signs/

Or contact the team to discuss your project:
https://corex.com.au/contact/