EASTON — A number of political signs in Easton and around Talbot County have been vandalized, according to police and residents.
Easton Police Department Captain Greg Wright said in the last month, there have been reports of at least four signs damaged or stolen in the town. There have been multiple reports since last Friday.
“This is a trend that usually occurs every election cycle,†Wright said. “We’ve had two reported to us. One (sign) at the beginning of September and two (signs) over last weekend.â€
Easton police have not yet identified any of those involved in the recent vandalism, Wright said.
Talbot County Republican Central Committee Chair Robert Osborne said signs have been vandalized on Dover Street recently. Some have been spray painted, while others have been stolen.
Signs stolen or vandalized include not just those for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, but also candidates for the Talbot Board of Education. Osborne said, “it’s very frustrating that people don’t want a different view.â€
“It’s a shame that people have hate in their heart,†Osborne said. “ … Everybody’s in our prayers, we just want the election to be fair.â€
Patrick Firth, chair of the Talbot County Democratic Central Committee, said there has been sign vandalism against Democratic candidates in Oxford, Trappe and Cordova. Firth said the Talbot County Democratic Party condemns all vandalism.
“These acts of vandalism are not just about signs; they are about the erosion of the democratic process and the suppression of free speech,†Firth said in a statement. “We must hold ourselves to a higher standard, respecting the political views of all citizens, regardless of party affiliation.â€
Wright encourages residents to not place signs too close to their houses in case someone tries to damage or steal them.
He said while “there’s no doubt†some acts of political sign vandalism go unreported, it’s best to report them to police for documentation.
“Be vigilant. Report it if it happens to them. If for any reason, it gives us an idea if we need to concentrate on a certain area, or just so we know what’s going on,†Wright said. “Because people are entering your property to commit a crime, and that should be concerning.â€
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