REHOBOTH — A proposed zoning change to put restrictions on political campaign signs for lawns and vehicles was denied by voters who called it unconstitutional at night two of the annual Town Meeting Tuesday.

The Board of Selectmen’s amendment would have prevented the signs, which could not exceed six square feet, from being placed in a location that causes a traffic or pedestrian hazard. It also said the signs could not be displayed for more than 21 days before an election or more than 3 days after voting day.

Town Administrator David Marciello said the bylaw was drafted after reviewing similar bylaws from other towns that had been approved by the state. Seekonk’s bylaw states no temporary sign can be in the same location for more than 30 days of each calendar year. It also states signs for a candidate have to be at least 500 feet apart.

Lexington has a four-foot limitation on its political signs and they and other temporary signs must be removed no more than seven days after the conclusion of an election. Newton allows signs to be erected no earlier than 45 days before an election and must be taken down within 48 hours after the contest.

“I don’t care if every other town in Massachusetts says it’s okay, let’s not say its okay,” resident Sally Cameron said. “We should stand fast to our rights of free speech.”

She also said yard and window signs are cheap, making it an inexpensive way for people of modest means to get involved in campaigns and share their views.

In addition, Cameron said, “It’s my property and I can do whatever the heck I want with it.”

Another resident said the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a similar ordinance in Missouri. The unanimous rejection of the bylaw from that court said residential yard signs, in particular, were “a venerable means of communication that is both unique and important.”

It continued, “…Even for the affluent, the added costs in money or time of taking out a newspaper advertisement, handing out leaflets on the street, or standing in front of one’s house with a handheld sign may make the difference between participating and not participating in some public debate.”

The woman also noted the selectmen’s proposal is worse than other communities because it includes restrictions on political signs for vehicles, which could include bumper stickers that many never take off. In addition, she said the Massachusetts ACLU emphasized similar sentiments and recently was involved with reversing the bylaw in Beverly.

In Rhode Island, Providence faced criticism in 2006 for its ordinance that prohibited posting signs more than 60 days before an election or referendum and 14 days after either vote. Rhode Island’s Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union argued the ordinance violated “quintessential free speech activity.” The city lawyers then agreed it could be challenged on constitutional grounds and recommended it should not be implemented.

While more wanted to speak Tuesday night, a resident successfully called the question, a Town Meeting procedure that automatically ceases debate.

The moderator took a vote on the amendment, stating it needs a two-thirds approval to pass, and it was defeated.

Other business that night included:

•Approved a new, lengthy stormwater discharge bylaw that aids the town with being compliant with the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The stormwater officer said it was necessary to protect the town’s groundwater and nearby lakes and ponds, which also doubles as Rehoboth’s drinking water.

•Approved, with objections from the Finance Committee, putting $50,000 into the Rehoboth Agricultural and Natural Resources Preservation Trust Fund. The fund is used primarily to buy land to protect the town’s rural and open space from developers. The Finance Committee said the town had enough money to give only $25,000 to the trust fund.

•Denied amending a general bylaw that states a defeated article cannot be placed on another town warrant for at least 18 months unless it needs to be revisited to “comply with a state, federal, judicial or administrative mandate.” The proposal came from the selectmen.

The Town Meeting continues with a third night at 7:30 Monday in the regional high school, 2700 Regional Rd., North Dighton.

apina@projo.com