The Barrhead RCMP is asking for the public to keep an eye out for vandalism or theft of election signs after two signs were defaced in Barrhead last week.
Both of the “Rachel Notley: Fighting for You” signs were located along 45th Street in front of Goldencrest Manor. Using green paint, the top of the sign had been defaced with a swear word.
Oddly, whoever was responsible for the vandalism only tagged one side of both signs, which were removed before the end of the week.
Staff Sgt. Bob Dodds said they received a complaint from the Notley campaign that identified not only some signs that were vandalized, but also others that were stolen.
Notably, the Edmonton Journal published an article on March 27 regarding the vandalizing of some Rachel Notley signs, as well as those for NDP candidate David Shepherd.
Those signs had been vandalized in a similar manner as the Barrhead signs, though some were also defaced with swastikas.
It isn’t limited to the NDP, however. On March 26, Jasraj Singh Hallan — the United Conservative Party candidate for Calgary-McCall — posted on Facebook that four large street signs and over 36 lawn signs in the riding had been vandalized.
He also stated that a group of teenagers had shouted hate slogans at volunteers working for his campaign.
Dodds said this type of vandalism and theft occurs during every election, although it seems to be occurring more frequently.
“It seems like politics are becoming more volatile as we move forward in the 21st century,” said Dodds. “It’s unfortunate that we can’t respect one another.”
Dodds said he researched whether there were any special penalties or laws pertaining to the vandalism or theft of campaign signs.
The Alberta Local Authorities Election Act and Criminal Code of Canada reference the defacing of documents, but only in terms of notices posted at polling stations and the like.
However, anyone caught vandalizing or stealing an election sign can still be charged with mischief or theft under $5,000.
If anyone sees someone vandalizing or stealing an election sign, they should contact the RCMP about the incident, Dodds said.
