By Caroline Averitt | Staff Writer

All around Jonesboro, campaign signs can be seen supporting certain candidates or issues that will be on the ballot for the upcoming midterm election. It is illegal to vandalize or steal campaign signs and getting caught could result in jail time. 

While Arkansas does not have a specific law against vandalism or theft of campaign signs, it is considered a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are prosecuted through the city attorney’s office. 

“Vandalism of any kind is going to most likely fall under the criminal mischief statute.” said Carol Duncan, the city attorney for Jonesboro. When vandalism results in damage of less than $1,000, it is considered a Class A misdemeanor under the criminal mischief statute. Vandalizing a large sign that cost more than $1,000 is considered a felony. 

When signs are stolen, it can be punishable as theft of property, which is also a Class A misdemeanor. Vandalism or theft of campaign signs could also result in a charge of criminal trespass if the sign is on private property. 

Someone caught committing a Class A misdemeanor by the police, they would be arrested and given a court date. They could receive up to a year of jail time depending on the details of the situation. Additionally, someone who catches this on camera could fill out a criminal affidavit through the city attorney’s office. 

In addition to legal repercussions, vandalizing or stealing campaign signs violates First Amendment rights of free speech. 

“In a functioning democracy, people should respect each other’s political preferences. We’re supposed to be able to say what we want politically and advertise and support who we want,” said Cameron Wimpy, interim director of political science. 

Vandalism or theft of campaign signs happens more often during presidential elections than midterms.

“It does seem with increasing polarization in the country that it’s going to be a continual problem,” Wimpy said.

Jonesboro has not seen any issues of tampering with campaign signs during this election cycle. 

“I’m just very proud that, so far this year, Jonesboro’s being very respectful of the (political) process,” Duncan said. 

The Craighead County Sheriff’s Office did not respond for an interview.

Categories: Life