Stealing a sign is a crime. If you are caught stealing a sign, you can face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
SYLVANIA, OH —
Whether it’s a button, a shirt, or a sign, people have always found a way to show their support for their political candidates.
As Election Day approaches, we’re seeing more yard signs around the area, but we’re also seeing more reports of signs being stolen or vandalized.
Sylvania Police Department Lt. Doug Hubaker said political signs being stolen or vandalized is nothing new. He has been in law enforcement for 35 years and said this issue comes up every election.
“It seems like it’s more prevalent now than it was before,” Huebaker said. “There’s a lot of political division in our country right now.”
Hubaker said the department has received multiple reports of signs being stolen or vandalized over the past few weeks. The department also posted on social media asking anyone with video footage of the theft to send it to them.
Stealing a sign is a misdemeanor, and those who steal the sign can face a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
Houbaker said if a sign is stolen, you can call 911 and a police officer will be dispatched to take the call.
The head of the Lucas County Republican Party said the party has only received a few reports of signs being stolen. The head of the Lucas County Democratic Party said the party has received reports of signs being stolen and called it “fear-mongering.”
However, ACLU representatives said it is difficult to determine whether the theft or vandalism of signs always qualifies as voter intimidation.
“I think it has to be on a case-by-case basis,” said Colin Mallozzi, deputy policy director for the ACLU of Ohio. “It is hard to say that such conduct is a blanket violation or a comprehensive example of voter intimidation.”
He said it could lead to hostility and mistrust between people and could not change opinions.
“This is almost like a backlash, emboldening them to solidify or express support for their preferred candidate,” Mallozzi said.
If you see signs being removed or feel some level of discomfort about voting, the ACLU has an Election Protection Hotline you can call at 1-866-687-6446.
