A Kitchener man says a federal election sign on his front lawn has been damaged two nights in a row.
“I think it’s an attack on democracy,” Richard Cook told CTV News. “I guess they decided that they hadn’t done a complete job and they wanted to come back and tear this sign apart that says ‘Vote,’ which is what people should be doing, not vandalizing.”
Election signs on neighbouring properties, meanwhile, haven’t been touched.
Cook believes his was specifically targeted.
“We’re not intimidated,” he said. “We will vote. We’re going to vote for the party that we think should be in power, in majority power.”
Tampering with an election sign could result in criminal charges.
“Whether it’s through the Elections Canada Act or under the Criminal Code, you could see imprisonment or fines, or a combination of the two,” explained Const. Andrew Gamble with Ontario Provincial Police.
“Whether it’s vandalism towards the sign, or the theft of the sign from someone’s property, it is still classified under the Criminal Code,” said Const. Bradley Hickey with the Waterloo Regional Police Service. “They could be charged based on the investigation.”
Police are reminding the public that everyone has the right to show support for the candidate of their choosing.
“We never want to put ourselves in a position where we’re undermining the democratic process. We just want people to follow proper election etiquette,” said Gamble. “We just want people to follow proper election etiquette.”
Similar incidents have been reported during federal, provincial and municipal elections.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity around election signs is asked to contact their local police agency.
