Van Wert residents targeted for having Harris yard signs

VAN WERT, Ohio (WANE) — Just three weeks out from the presidential election and some homeowners in Van Wert, Ohio believe they are being politically targeted after several Kamala Harris signs were stolen from their yards.

On two separate occasions in less than a week, homeowners have had their signs stolen right out from their own yards and roofing nails thrown in the street and driveways in front of their homes.

Eventually some of the stolen signs were recovered but tainted in racial slurs, inappropriate drawings and derogatory insults towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Van Wert Democratic Party Chair, Kirsten Barnhart says stolen signs are common for election season however vandalism is new this year and terrifying many in the community.

“They might be able to steal our sign, but you can’t steal a vote. You can’t change that,” said Barnhart.

Another resident even had steel pellets from a BB gun shot into her window, several police reports have been made in connection to these issues all of which they have agreed are most like politically motivated.

It is illegal to tamper, steal, or vandalize political signs and those caught doing so could face criminal charges.

Tuesday, the Van Wert Democratic Party will host a banquet featuring several candidates including Keith Mundy, Maggie Markward, and Kristie Reighard.

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