The Science of Political Roadside Signs

For three years in the Air Force I was an Electronic Intelligence Specialist. Along with our collection responsibilities was the analysis of the data that we saw. The most important part of my job was the study of what we could see, didn’t see and the placement. About 12 years ago, just out of curiosity and for the fun of it, I decided to do the same analysis on political roadside signs. To my surprise, it worked. Up to now, I have never shared the information that I deducted because I was just doing it for the fun of it. I am now willing to go out on a limb and make some predictions on some the local races based on the signs that I have spotted.

For starters, I am leaving the District 36 races out of this only because my travels in county do not cover enough of that district. The most obvious thing that I will say and most folks know is that signs do not vote. So the candidate with the most signs does not always win. I mainly look at the grouping of signs and lack of grouping. For the diehard party supporter, they will have multiple signs of everyone in the same party. What I take notice of is the cross party signs. For example – you will see more of Governor Ehrlich’s signs stuck in the middle of a group of Democrat signs than anyone else. We all pretty much know that he will carry Cecil County; I saw the same mixture in Harford County too. I just wish it would be true for the rest of the state.

So here is my prediction of winners and in the order that I saw cross party signs. Not all of them would be my choices so do not shoot the messenger.

Senator Jacobs – a lot of cross party signs in both Cecil and Harford County

Sheriff Janney – 3rd most cross party signs

Treasurer Pam Howard

Dr Carl Roberts

Senator Andy Harris

Lyn Nichols

Bill Breuckman

Tari Moore

There weren’t enough Mike Dunn and Brian Lockhart signs to make a prediction.

I guess we will all find out in a couple of weeks how accurate this analysis is. Again, I do this just the amusement of it. And please don’t forget, early voting starts today. Let your voice be heard.