In the midst of various political campaign signs lining a busy intersection in Goffstown, New Hampshire, Andy Brown chose to put up his own message: “Andy Brown: Not running for anything. Just wanted a sign.”

Unexpectedly, a friend of a friend added a new sign that read: “Paid for by friends of Andy Brown.”

Brown responded with humor, returning to the sign store for a custom banner measuring 3 feet by 5 feet with a catchy slogan: “I like big signs, I cannot lie,” playfully inspired by Sir Mix-A-Lot’s lyrics. This clever twist resonated online, where a local commented: “And G-town can’t deny…”

“I was just trying to amuse myself,” expressed Brown, a 41-year-old web developer. “But it turned out to be a hit.”

From local elections to the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, yards have become focal points for political expression, often pitting neighbors against each other.

Yet, in numerous areas, people are countering this tension through humor. Amidst one of the most contentious elections in recent times, they aim to revive laughter among neighbors—one homemade sign at a time.

Anand Edward Sokhey, a political science professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and co-author of “Politics on Display: Yard Signs and the Politicization of Social Spaces,” noted that humor is being utilized to ease political tensions.

<p“Election yard signs express personal identity,” Sokhey explained. “In response, some people wish to introduce a bit of levity in this tense environment.”

In Arvada, Colorado, a Labrador named Mollie is taking on her neighbor, a terrier named Chloe, in a playful presidential race. Their joint platform? “More treats, less squirrels.”

Their owners mentioned to a local news outlet that they wanted to bring smiles to their community during a stressful election cycle.

“She’d probably make a better president than the current candidates,” one Facebook user commented.

Blue yard signs appearing from Pennsylvania to Nevada are also making an impression. Instead of advocating for Harris or Trump, they say: “Presidents Are Temporary – Wu-Tang Is Forever.”

Jose Gutierrez IV received one of these humorous signs as a gift and proudly displayed it outside his home instead of promoting a political candidate. Neighborly feedback has been positive.

“I noticed all these signs for Trump and Kamala, and thought, ‘I’m going to put this one out.’ It’s just cool,” he shared with The Detroit News.

Dale King, a co-founder of Doc Spartan, an online retailer based in Ohio, mentioned that the demand for “Wu-Tang Is Forever” signs surged ahead of the 2020 election, and it has continued to rise.

“People seem more frustrated now than they were four years ago,” King remarked.

The company has also seen popularity in shirts promoting country musicians Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan, who are seen as ideal candidates for their ability to unite people with “guitars, campfires, and beers.”

Bipartisan interest is evident as both Democrats and Republicans have bought 100 Childers-Bryan shirts and around 150 Wu-Tang shirts, highlighting the potential for unity, according to King.

“We can still find humor and get along,” he stated. “If a simple shirt or sign can lighten someone’s day, we feel like we’ve succeeded.”

Kent Buescher, CEO of U.S. Press, noted that less than 5% of sign orders during this election cycle were for comedic purposes. However, he’s noticed an increase compared to the previous elections in 2020 and 2022, which had little to no humorous signs.

“I believe it’s on the rise, especially in a climate where things feel so serious,” Buescher remarked. “People are looking for ways to lighten the mood.”

Brown’s lighthearted efforts in New Hampshire have been positively embraced.

“We’ve been discussing this guy’s sign at work,” a Facebook user remarked. “It’s fantastic and a refreshing change from the ongoing sign battles in Goffstown right now.”

Brown felt that spending a small amount was worth it to improve the atmosphere. His signs were made at a cost of less than $100.

“The situation has become increasingly polarized, especially in politics,” he noted. “I’ve spent money on much sillier things.”

What began as a playful joke has turned into a widespread success. Brown has launched an online store featuring signs, flags, stickers, and refrigerator magnets labeled “paid for by Andy Brown’s lack of fiscal responsibility.”

“This is one of the few initiatives in my life that has received nothing but positive feedback,” he added.

He has a message for locals who have humorously suggested voting for him as a write-in candidate.

“I really want to emphasize,” Brown cautioned, “please don’t vote for me for any position.”