To the Journal editor:

There has recently been a widespread “movement” in several Upper Peninsula counties where political candidate yard signs have been taken from private properties or vandalized.

These criminal antics have been going on for decades. However, in today’s political climate, we are in dire need for more civility, courtesy, and politeness. These traits, unfortunately, have been nonexistent at the federal level which has tested our patience and tolerance. Political signage, and in a broader sense, our First Amendment rights, affords all of us freedom of speech and expression.

Those who seek to vandalize or silence their opposition candidates by removing or defacing political signs are also violating the right to freedom of speech of fellow citizens who wish to publicly display their political preferences.

There is an all too common perception that removing a political sign from someone’s private property is a matter of no legal concern. On the contrary, under state law it is a crime punishable by a hefty fine, possible jail time, and can be prosecuted at the full extent of the law. Support your candidates, but respect the rights of others to also support theirs.

A few useful recommendations to minimize theft or vandalism are:

≤ Keep signs close to your house in a well-lighted area away from public right of ways. (Most all of the thefts occur at night)

≤ Place them inside of a front facing window or simply bring your signs in at night time.

≤ Keep them visible to doorbell cams, security/motion lighting, windows, etc.

≤ Use a trail-cam to monitor the sign

≤ Use zip ties or fasteners to secure your signs to a solid anchor point, i.e., fences, flagpoles, stakes, trees, etc.

≤ Keep an eye out in your neighborhood for suspicious vehicles or trespassers after dark.

We ask that you please be vigilant and watch out for the theft of your political signs. And please report when any have gone missing, or have been vandalized.

In Marquette, please call the city police non-emergency number at 906-228-0400, or outside the city, please call the county sheriff’s office at 906-225-8435.

The greatness of America rests with its diversity of thought and whatever our difference, we still respect one another’s rights.

Stay vigilant! Be respectful! Speak up! Vote!