Political signs defaced

By Jon Johnson
Assistant Editor
Published on Sunday, November 2, 2008 4:14 PM MST

Election season seems to bring about the worst in human nature, but no matter how much a person disagrees with certain proposed laws, there are existing laws protecting political signs.

This campaign season, the Safford Police Department received calls about thefts of candidates’ signs, and recently, the police received a call about someone defacing political signs in favor of Proposition 102. The proposition wants to change the state Constitution to define marriage as being between one male and one female only.

Arizona Revised Statue 16-1019 states it is a class two misdemeanor to remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign of any candidate for public office from 45 days prior to a primary election up to seven days after the general election.

Defacing political signs is a class two misdemeanor. Signs like these were spray painted in numerous areas on Highway. 191. Photo by Jon Johnson

Subjects accused of breaking the statute may also be charged with ARS 13-1602, which deals with criminal damage.

Safford Police Chief John Griffin said his department will give citations to anyone found defacing or removing political signs.

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Comments

9 comment(s)

Teacher1 wrote on Nov 16, 2008 12:49 PM:

" I'm just wondering where all the plastic from the signs ends up. "

citizen wrote on Nov 15, 2008 9:22 PM:

" I believe the law says signs should be taken down within 10 days of the election. The candidate should make a list of where he /she put up signs so they know where to return. Of course out there are some"good folks" that are willing to help some candidates take their signs down, and then the "good folks" distroy them and take the t-posts or rebar that held the signs. "

A civil citizen in your midst wrote on Nov 9, 2008 12:32 PM:

" The only two "No on 102" signs were quickly and unlawfully torn down. What does that say about you zealous "Yes on 102" folks? And not suprisingly, you were so intent on stripping citizens with whom you disagree of their civil rights that you lost the presidential election. Bravo! Well, the next president, a man of integrity and great vision, directly addressed the need for full civil rights for all Americans. Won't be long...! "

Dee wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:40 PM:

" This really shows the integrity of people. If these people really cared they could take some intiative and do something more productive with their time. "

Grow Up Jerrys wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:46 PM:

" 95% of the signs will be down within 5 to 10 days. All of our candidates have worked hard and long hours so back off and show alittle repect. I would say if a sign is up after 10 days then you have a right to complain. We have turned into a county and country of cry babies that need to grow up and be civil and respectful. Enough Said!!!! "

i agree with Jerry wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:12 PM:

" I get so sick of seeing the signs after the elections. Those who leave the signs up should be fined for unlawful littering. Yes you lost or yes you won, it's done and over get those ugly signs out of our face!!! "

Jerry wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:03 AM:

" I'm all for candidates and their campaign workers displaying their signs but also feel that said signs should be gathered up by those who placed them immediately following the results of whatever election is being held or should be considered fair game for removal by the general public.
YOU PUT THEM UP; YOU TAKE THEM DOWN !! "

Jill R. wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:55 AM:

" Instead of putting up their own signs, or sending out their own mailers, those who advocate homosexual unions resort to lawless behavior. This should suggest something about those who oppose the idea of marriage being that of one man and one woman. "

Jack wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:18 AM:

" So Gayngsters are in this town. Who knew? "

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