It’s the season of signs, which have proliferated on lawns, bushes and buildings across Bristol. Those feeling strongly enough about their choices (and living on major roadways) display the candidates who presumably will be receiving their votes on Nov. 3 (or in the era of mail ballots, already have their votes).

It’s often easy to tell the home of a Democrat — “Vote Sweeney, Ley, Foster, Donovan, Speakman, Felag, Cicilline, Biden, etc. …” — or the home of a Republican — “Vote Parella.”

But in 2020, things locally aren’t as clear as they were in past elections. Some houses, like those shown below, send mixed signals. However, for those who follow these things closely, the mixed signals can be deciphered.

Two years ago, there was a major shakeup in the Bristol Democratic Town Committee. A group that had led the committee for years, even decades, was out-maneuvered and out-voted, and a new group took over all the leadership positions. The old guard has not left quietly, and some have shown themselves frequently as opponents to the newly “progressive” committee, and to the candidates they once worked closely with.

Consider the front yards of the four most recent chairmen of the Bristol Democratic Town Committee (above) … the signs tell a story.