Hundreds of Harris-Walz signs were found in some woods in Pennsylvania's Montgomery County in mid-October.
The Philadephia Inquirer reports the dumping ground was just one instance of several reports of theft and vandalism of campaign signs in Philadelphia’s collar counties. Both Republican and Democratic organizers have reported upticks.
While people mess with signs every election cycle, this behavior amid a heated presidential race has an undercurrent of animosity. It’s sparking ire and distrust, and has even led to doxing and social media threats after they are being reported.
“It’s almost like sign warfare out here,” said Bob Mason, a Democratic committeeperson in Levittown. He filed a report after signs were stolen in Bristol Township, as did registered Republican Denise DePaul after a man slashed and dismantled a Trump-Vance sign on her front lawn.
In other swing states, some communities have moved away from signs altogether to avoid disputes. Displaying them on private property is protected by the First Amendment. Stealing them in Pennsylvania is considered misdemeanor theft.
Don’t mess with the Trump sign or you’ll get a face of whatever just got blasted on this guy🤣 Mashed potatoes? pic.twitter.com/9rJjKXxCDU
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) October 25, 2024
This X-Video incident was reportedly staged, but highlights the issue. Jokesters messing with signs is common every election cycle, organizers said, but this year’s mischief has an undercurrent of animosity. Some residents of Montgomery and Bucks Counties have filed police reports about threats and repeat visits from trespassers over their Harris and Trump signs.
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