Political party reps, law enforcement officials condemn political sign vandalism, theft

As the election nears, political party representatives and law enforcement officials urge individuals to respect other’s right to express their political viewpoints.

Hampton Police Chief Bob Schaefer said the police department has fielded several complaints about political sign theft and vandalism so far this election cycle. With more than a month remaining before the Nov. 3 General Election, Schaefer said the amount of complaints this year is unusually high compared to other election years.

“Thinking about it over the years, I don’t think we’ve had that many that have been taken or defaced,” he said.

Catherine Crooks, Franklin County Democratic Chair, said she has heard several cases of vandalism or theft of Democratic signs throughout the county. Whether in favor of Democratic or Republican candidates, Crooks said damage to or removal of signs is disrespectful to the right to vote and the right to free speech.

“I understand people feel strongly about their views, especially during a presidential election year,” she said. “Let’s all try to get along, be respectful of each other and let our neighbors express who they support. It is, after all, our right to free speech.”

Crooks added that not only is the vandalism disheartening to see, it’s also a time and monetary loss for both the property owner and the people who work to campaign for a political candidate.

“We do not have an unlimited supply of these signs, they are an investment by the campaign,” she said.

Franklin County Republican Party Chair Larry Sailer said he’s been surprised at the number of reports of damage and theft of Republican political signs this year and is “at a loss for words” why incidents have risen significantly this year.

“We’ve actually had quite a bit reported stolen or damaged,” he said. “I get a lot of calls from people that want another sign because the first one disappeared. It’s hard to get these signs and I get a call every day asking for signs.”

Sailer said he’s disappointed in the reaction to some political signs and the destruction and theft of said signs goes against the spirit of the election, the right to vote and the freedom of speech.

“I’m not sure where this attitude comes from,” he said. “It’s freedom of speech to put your opinion in your lawn to let people know what our thoughts are.

“I don’t understand the mindset of people who aren’t respectful of an opinion,” he added. “We need to be able to discuss the issues and talk to each other about what these parties stand for and why you support your party.”

Schaefer echoed Crooks’ and Sailer’s pleas for respect, stating that everyone has a right to a political opinion.

“Because of the country we live in, everyone does have a right to express their opinions as long as it isn’t hurting someone else,” he said. “Everyone has a right to their choice who they think the person they want should be elected.”

While no law exists in Iowa that protects political signs, Schaefer said the destruction and theft of signs can be punishable by charges of theft and trespassing if an individual is caught.

“It’s trespassing on someone’s property and it is theft because that sign doesn’t belong to the person that’s taking it,” said Schaefer.