In a presidential election season that has seen people throw punches, toss eggs and even shoot at supporters of the opposing candidate, the theft and destruction of campaign yard signs seems like small potatoes.
Rarely is anyone physically harmed by the actions. Rarely can home or business owners never replace stolen signs. Rarely does such behavior actually influence someone to change their vote or renounce their public support for a particular candidate.
Tampering with political signs is still unacceptable, though, no matter how strongly someone feels about the candidate they support and the candidate they do not. No matter if you feel that people are supporting a candidate who is the American version of Adolf Hitler or is a corrupt criminal that deserves a term in the big house instead of the White House, there is no excuse for interfering with a person’s right to express their opinion, especially on something as important at the U.S. presidential race.
Naturally, we were disappointed to hear that several local enforcement agencies were dealing with this issue in Cass County. According to the county prosecutor, around 100 signs have been stolen or destroyed in communities across the area.
Supporters of candidates on both sides of the political race have had their lawn signs tampered with. Vandals have also targeted signs advocating for candidates in the Cass County Circuit Court Judge race.
There is nothing wrong with a healthy, even heated, debate during an election season, especially one so fraught with emotion as the one we have seen the last several months.
When you take or destroy a political yard sign, though, you are not making an argument or a statement in favor of your candidate or in opposition to the other. You are destroying someone’s property, as well as trespassing — two criminal actions you could face criminal consequences for.
Not only that, but are actively contributing to the loss of time and money for the men and women who are campaigning for their political party or candidate. The placement of yard signs is often carefully planned by these volunteers and staffers, and their work should not be thrown away because you disagree with their opinions.
We encourage our readers to spend the next several days before Tuesday’s election carefully weighing their options or to make good, sound arguments to win over undecided voters to their cause. Do not encourage you to make criminal decisions simply because you cannot tolerate opposing views to your own.

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of General Manager Ambrosia Neldon and editors Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.