The County Line
You would think that over-eager political partisans would have learned from past experience that stealing political yard signs can bring serious consequences. In the last general election cycle, a candidate was charged with the theft of an opponent’s signs.
Such actions are considered theft, and can result in criminal charges being filed. But it happened again this past weekend when yard signs on private property were stolen.
Police are investigating. The signs mostly supporting GOP candidates were apparently taken Saturday night in areas around Smoky Row Road and Ironwood Drive in Carmel.
While not the crime of the century, such thefts are disheartening in an election campaign where citizens should be able to demonstrate their support for their favorite candidates without harassment.
Meanwhile, thousands of Hamilton County residents have exercised their right to vote, lining up at the Government and Judicial Center and fairgrounds Exposition Building each day for a week.
The early voting will be extended to satellite locations next week as the turnout is now certain to break all previous records.
The political parties are working to get their identified voters to the polls or supplied with absentee ballots when needed.
Unfortunately, only a few local candidates have spoken out on specific issues, apparently feeling doing so is not either necessary or wise.
Republicans will hold their Fall Dinner rally on Oct. 25 at the 502 East Event Center in Carmel. That will be followed by the Clay Township GOP chili supper on Oct. 29.
Democrats have said they will not have any gatherings due to health concerns.