With only about a month to go until 2024’s presidential election, political campaign yard signs are going missing in and around Kentucky, including in Owensboro and greater Cincinnati , according to local media reports.
It should go without saying theft, regardless of the item’s value, is a crime.
In Kentucky, vandalizing or removing a yard sign from someone’s property can result in hefty fines and a months-long jail stay. Still, law enforcement authorities say people often aren’t aware stealing a campaign yard sign could land them in serious trouble.
Here’s a deeper look at how these crimes can be punished in Kentucky, where campaign signs can be placed to begin with and how you can keep thieves from stealing yours.
What kind of trouble could stealing a campaign sign get you in?
A 2022 column penned by Campbell County attorney Steve Franzen notes such offenses are misdemeanors.
In the case of a stolen campaign yard sign, it would be a class B misdemeanor if its value was less than $500, Franzen writes. Campaign signs typically aren’t all that expensive, but that doesn’t mean stealing one will get you a slap on the wrist.
While judges are generally free to exercise their discretion, Kentucky’s sentencing guidelines suggest a class B misdemeanor conviction could be punished with a $250 fine, up to 90 days in jail or both.
In the case of vandalizing a yard sign, according to Franzen, that could be considered third-degree criminal mischief, which is also a class B misdemeanor in Kentucky.
What about illegally placed campaign signs?
Political campaign signs are generally subject to placement rules, particularly when they’re in the public right-of-way along a road. Kentucky law and transportation cabinet policy require signs be kept back from roadways to keep them from obstructing driver sight lines and creating safety issues. Additionally, in Lexington, they cannot be placed in medians or in utility strips, that strip of space between the road and the sidewalk.
If you see a sign placed within these restricted areas, it’s likely illegally placed, but that doesn’t mean you’re free to steal or vandalize it.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet requests members of the public report illegally placed signs so they can be removed by KYTC crews. Reports can be made online through the agency’s website and contact form.
Once collected, any illegally placed signs will be held at local state highway garages in each county for pick up. Signs that remain unclaimed are tossed out, according to the cabinet.
How can you keep thieves from stealing your campaign yard signs?
Likely the most practical advice to keep your campaign signs from disappearing is to place them in areas that are well-lit at night. If you have surveillance cameras, position them for a clear view of anyone who might pull up, snatch your sign and drive off.
Some individuals have even taken to booby trapping their signs by covering the backs with Vaseline and glitter or rigging them to deliver electric shocks when removed.
While these measures aren’t likely to deter a persistent thief, they could help you catch them in the act. If all else fails, your best option might be to bring in your signs at night.
Do you have a question about Kentucky elections for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
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