SYLVANIA, Ohio —
Whether it be buttons, shirts or signs, people have always found ways to show their support for their political candidates.
As Election Day approaches, more yard signs can be seen around the area, but there also have been more reports of signs being stolen or destroyed.
Political signs being stolen or destroyed is nothing new, according to Sylvania police Capt. Doug Hubaker. In the 35 years he has been in law enforcement, he said the issue comes up every election.
"It seems like it's more prevalent now than it's been in the past," Hubaker said. "There's a lot of political divide in our country right now."
Hubaker said over the past few weeks the department has received multiple reports of signs being stolen or destroyed. The department even put a post on social media asking people to send video footage of thefts if they have it.
Stealing a sign is a misdemeanor, and anyone who steals a sign could face a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
Hubaker said people can call 911 if their sign is stolen and an officer will be sent to take a report.
The Lucas County Republican Party president said the party has received only a few reports of signs being stolen. The Lucas County Democratic Party president said their party has received reports of signs stolen and called it "fear mongering."
A representative from the ACLU said it's hard to say whether signs being stolen or destroyed can always be considered voter intimidation, though.
"I think it's something that would have to be on a case-by-case basis," said Collin Marozzi, deputy policy director of the ACLU of Ohio. "It's hard to say that kind of conduct is a blanket violation or a blanket example of voter intimidation."
He said it can lead to animosity and distrust among people, and that it doesn't change opinions either.
"It almost emboldens them to solidify or pronounce their support for their preferred candidate to a higher degree almost as like a backlash," Marozzi said.
If someone does see signs being taken down or feels a certain level of discomfort about voting, the ACLU has an election protection hotline that people can call at 1-866-687-6446.