It is the norm in October prior to elections: political lawn signs for one candidate or another arouse irrational anger and signs are mutilated or just stolen. Posting a sign is protected by the law, even if the sign is not on your property. Signs are costly and the cost is covered by individuals, or campaigns, or local Democratic and Republican parties. As such they are private property.

Think of it this way: If you park you car (private property) in a public spot, and it is stolen or damaged by another party you have a claim. Same goes for lawn signs, whether they are posted on your own lawn or perhaps at a cross-section on town property.

The internet is rife with ideas on how to protect your signs. Here are some fun ideas:

1. well-lit area, close to your home.
2. security cameras
3. barbed wire around them
4. trap: mix Vaseline and glitter and put that on the edges of the sign
5. slather dog poo on strategic parts of the sign
6. hot sauce…so when they rub their eyes after the fact…
7. electrify the next sign…

Just google “how to protect your political lawn signs”

A simple method is to elevate your sign beyond reach. You will need a ladder! So will anyone who wants to remove the sign!