MARSHFIELD, Wisconsin (WAOW) — The Marshfield Police Department says it has received multiple reports of political campaign signs being stolen from the city’s yards.
News 9 has obtained 10 police reports since Sept. 1 on Thursday. One of his cases claimed someone stole six of his campaign signs posted on the side of his house this week.
According to Kathleen Luruka, co-chair of the Wood County Democratic Party, signs on the property were endorsing the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election and were worth $10 each.
“When there is theft, vandalism, and trespassing on property, it harms the community,” Luluka said.
In Wisconsin, removing or tampering with political signatures is against the law and can result in fines.
Both Wood County parties have condemned the act.
“We don’t encourage people to do that. We’re basically about law and order,” said Wood County Republican Vice Speaker Joe Humphrey.
“If I hear someone in our party stole an autograph from someone else, I’ll stop them,” Ruruka added.
Among other reports from Marshfield Police, there were several allegations that the Democratic candidate’s autograph was stolen from their property.
Humphrey says he is aware of two incidents in Marshfield on the Wood County side of the city where Republican signs were stolen and had to be replaced.
Both sides are preaching unity as elections loom.
“I hope people can talk and find common ground and find solutions that are workable and fair for both sides,” Humphrey said.
“In order to promote a healthy community, we need to be able to have dialogues to solve the problems facing the community,” added Rulka.
If your sign is stolen or damaged, we encourage you to report it to law enforcement.
The number of sign theft reports received so far has been typical of an election year, according to Marshfield Police.
