Local law enforcement will investigate stolen or damaged campaign signs — as reports of that kind of activity surging on social media.
Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said his office takes complaints involving campaign sign theft or vandalism seriously. Farris said the act is considered a criminal offense.
“We don’t certainly indicate somebody damaging or stealing signs at all; that is a Class A misdemeanor,” Farris said. “We do take that serious.”
White County Sheriff Steve Page said, unfortunately, these instances are just part of the deal when it comes to elections.
“If it’s reported, we do investigate it,” Page said. “I’ve had some stolen from my side and damaged. And you know, don’t know who done what exactly. We know, we know one, but I didn’t do anything about it. But yeah, that happens. I mean, it happens every election cycle.”
While many posts on social media have claimed their signs have been damaged or stolen, both Farris and Page said neither of their offices has received reports of these instances. Both urged the public to respect the political process.
“People need to respect the signs,” Farris said. “People who are running for election have dedicated a lot of time and a lot of money and a lot of effort in our democratic process. And so people need to respect that, and you know, the election will be over soon, uh, even if we talk about August or even November.”
“That’s hard-earned money and hard work to get out and put them up,” Page said. “I advise everybody to just leave them alone.”
Farris said damaging or stealing a campaign sign could lead to a fine or jail time. Farris said if you witness someone tampering with a sign, report it to the local police department or local sheriff’s office.
“Well, we’ll have to have a video, and or an eyewitness, with video or some photographs,” Farris said. “And the person actually taking the photographs being able to cooperate and seeing that, or you know, if a law enforcement officer sees that in their presence, someone damaging or tearing a sign out, then we can actually do something.”
Farris also reminded that people should receive permission before they place a sign on someone’s property. Farris said if not granted permission, the property owner has the authority to remove the sign.