NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Spare our signs.
North Salem’s Democratic and Republican Town Committees have made that joint plea after political signs started mysteriously vanishing all around town.
They reminded folks that not only is something like that an affront to free speech, it’s also against the law.
NSRTC Chair Nzingha Milanes and NSDTC Chair Emily Siegel released the following joint statement on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
“During this election season, the majority of political signs displayed by our residents on Town roads have disappeared. This week, signs placed on private properties were stolen in the middle of the night.
Stealing political signs from North Salem lawns is a violation of our First Amendment right to free speech and greatly diminishes the quality of life in our town. It is also a prosecutable crime.
Despite political differences, we are urging North Salem residents to respect each other’s rights to express their political opinions through signs and other means as lawful democracy dictates.”
LAW SAYS …
According to Findlaw.com, the theft or vandalism of a legally placed political sign – which is no different than any other piece of private property -- is a crime in all 50 states. It’s usually treated as a misdemeanor and could result in fines or jail time.
Furthermore, if the offender enters someone’s private property, they could be charged with trespassing.
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