Political Yard Signs Stolen in Oneida County: A Local Issue with National Implications
As the 2024 election season intensifies, so too does the disturbing trend of political yard sign theft. In Oneida County, specifically in Utica and surrounding areas, political signs supporting the Harris-Walz campaign have been stolen from residents’ lawns at an alarming rate. What began as a few isolated incidents has now escalated into a full-scale investigation, with local authorities urging the community to report any thefts or vandalism.
Mitch Ford, the Chair of the Oneida County Democratic Committee, recently spoke out about the issue. “Removing political signs and vandalizing property are crimes punishable under New York State law,” Ford said, adding that political signage is a protected form of free speech under both the U.S. and New York constitutions. He has been in direct contact with Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, who confirmed that his office has started receiving reports of missing signs. Sheriff Maciol encourages residents who have experienced sign theft to report it by contacting the Sheriff’s Office at 315-736-0141
.
The National Scale of Yard Sign Theft
What’s happening in Utica mirrors a broader national trend. In states like Ohio and New Jersey, residents have reported a surge in the theft of Harris-Walz campaign signs, as well as signs for local Democratic candidates
. For example, in Colerain Township, Ohio, homeowners have caught thieves on surveillance cameras, sneaking onto properties late at night to steal signs. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, residents have expressed frustration after their Harris-Walz signs were repeatedly stolen within hours of being placed in their yards
.
A Disrespectful Trend
At the heart of these incidents is a concerning level of disrespect for political differences and private property. Stealing or defacing a political sign may seem like a harmless act to some, but it is an illegal and unethical attempt to silence someone else’s voice. Political yard signs are not just pieces of cardboard—they are symbols of civic engagement and participation in the democratic process.
In Oneida County and across the nation, these acts of theft highlight how deeply polarized the country has become. What was once a friendly exchange of differing political views is now too often a battleground of property damage, theft, and disrespect. While it’s important to engage in the political process, it must be done in a way that respects the opinions and property of others.
What Can Be Done?
For those affected, there are a few steps to take:
- Report the Theft: If your political signs have been stolen, report the incident to your local police or the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office at 315-736-0141. Documentation is crucial in helping law enforcement build a case.
- Install Surveillance: Homeowners can consider using cameras to monitor their yards. Some residents have already caught thieves in the act using home security footage.
- Respect Differences: Remember that, regardless of political affiliation, everyone has the right to express their views. Democracy thrives on diversity of thought and opinion, and acts of vandalism only deepen the division.
Conclusion
As we head into the final weeks of the election, it’s more important than ever to uphold the principles of respect and free speech that define our democracy. The theft of Harris-Walz yard signs, both locally in Oneida County and across the nation, is a reminder that political division should never justify illegal or disrespectful behavior. Let’s all do our part to engage in the political process respectfully and civilly.
Author: David Laguerre
