The Mecklenburg County Republican Party is cracking down on individuals stealing or removing Republican political campaign signs with the use of hidden trail cameras. Mecklenburg GOP Vice Chairman David Merrill has reported that hundreds of signs have been stolen or removed, prompting the party to launch a ‘sign blitz’ to place more signs throughout the county. The stolen signs were taken from the Idlewild Road area of Charlotte, and the perpetrators have not yet been identified.
Under NCGS § 136-32, it is illegal to steal or unlawfully remove political signs that are lawfully placed, punishable as a class three misdemeanor. Residents of Mecklenburg County, such as Kevin Abplanalp and Mark Watson, have expressed concern over the thefts, calling it a violation of democracy and a representation of lawlessness. Abplanalp particularly criticized Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden for not taking more action to stop the illegal activity.
In a related incident, Moore County NC Democratic Party Chairman Lowell Simon recently resigned after being arrested for removing Trump campaign signs. Another individual was arrested for stealing Kamala Harris campaign signs in Moore County as well.
The incidents in both Mecklenburg County and Moore County highlight the ongoing issue of political sign theft, which has sparked outrage among residents and party officials. Authorities are urged to take action to ensure the integrity of the political process is upheld.
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