It happens often during campaign season. Someone, from my experience, always a male - goes around the area methodically removing campaign signs.
Last time, it was a guy in a pickup truck, driving down the street and picking up every sign and tossing it into the back of his truck.
This time I have (so far) heard from volunteers from three different campaigns whose signs have disappeared or been damaged.
The reports come from Richmond Beach to Aurora.
This is illegal activity. It is particularly disturbing that this person is entering people's yards to steal signs.
One of the volunteers, Jonelle Kemmering, says,
Under the law, this is a misdemeanor - for each sign
Local people running for office do not typically have deep pockets and these signs are expensive. The volunteers who are placing them are spending hours in the cold, driving around the city to carefully place the signs for visibility while following laws about placement.
Keep your eyes open for this person (or people). Do not confront them but do get a photo of them and their vehicle. Call police non-emergency line to report (206) 296-3311.
This is illegal activity. It is particularly disturbing that this person is entering people's yards to steal signs.
One of the volunteers, Jonelle Kemmering, says,
Political signs placed in the Right of Way that do not obstruct traffic are legally protected. These signs are reminders to people of their right to vote and the fact that they have a choice. These are two priceless privileges that we are fortunate to have. It is disturbing that anyone believes their own personal wishes outweigh the public's right to information.
Under the law, this is a misdemeanor - for each sign
"A person who removes or defaces lawfully placed political advertising including yard signs or billboards without authorization is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable to the same extent as a misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021. The defacement or removal of each item constitutes a separate violation." RCW 29A.84.040
Local people running for office do not typically have deep pockets and these signs are expensive. The volunteers who are placing them are spending hours in the cold, driving around the city to carefully place the signs for visibility while following laws about placement.
Keep your eyes open for this person (or people). Do not confront them but do get a photo of them and their vehicle. Call police non-emergency line to report (206) 296-3311.
Signs have zero impact
ReplyDeleteNot true. Look up the Ben Griffin yard sign study. Name recognition matters.
DeleteI’d respectfully suggest that if you feel this strongly about a political campaign then your time might be better spent running yourself. Stealing signs isn’t going to impact anyone’s election campaign!
ReplyDeleteSigns are the way I keep track of who is running for what against whom. My favorite are when two candidates' signs for the same position are side by side - it reminds me to learn everything I can about each of them. And it seems to exemplify the spirit of democracy.
ReplyDelete