There is nothing wrong with Center Township's requirement that political signs be removed within 10 days after an election. In fact, all municipalities should have such a requirement, to ensure that such signs don't litter the landscape indefinitely when they no longer have any useful purpose.

But Center officials are treading on shaky free-speech grounds in considering an amendment to the township's sign ordinance aimed at specifying when political signs can be erected. The announced intent is to dictate that such signs be erected no sooner than 30 days before an election.

After Election Day, a political sign serves no purpose and thus is tantamount to litter. However, the right of free speech shouldn't be limited before voters cast their ballots.

A political candidate should be free to proclaim his candidacy via signs as soon as he or she decides to become a candidate.

It can be argued that if candidates had a limited window for putting up their signs, they would have to be more aggressive in trying to introduce themselves to the voters in person, by way of door-to-door campaigning and attendance at public functions.

That would help the voters not only to become acquainted with the people seeking office, but also to become more informed about the election's issues.

However, despite that possible benefit to the voters, the right of free speech contained within the sign issue must take precedence. Center Township officials should be reluctant to infringe on this basic right guaranteed by the Constitution.

The supervisors have sent the issue to the township's planning commission for study and recommendations. According to Dan Cox, supervisors chairman, it won't be until at least June before any change is likely to be ready for township leaders' action.

This year's May 17 primary election isn't expected to be affected by what is under consideration.

Currently, a permit and $200 deposit are required to guarantee that signs will be removed within 10 days after an election. Violators face a fine of up to $500 plus court costs, if convicted.

The $200 deposit is returned if all signs are removed within 10 days after the balloting.

Waging a war against litter is in the township's best interests, but stepping over the line in terms of candidates' free-speech rights won't better the township - and very likely would be ruled improper if the issue were taken to court.

Political campaigning is a healthy exercise imbedded in this nation's foundation. The supervisors should not try to limit it by way of unnecessary, ill-advised prohibitions like the one being discussed.