Messing with campaign signs is a criminal offence
Mike Ainsworth Campaign Sign. Mike Ainsworth Facebook.
By Cecilia Nasmith
As this fall's election campaign continues, the Town of Cobourg and Cobourg Police service remind residents that stealing or damaging election signs could result in criminal charges.
As election signs sprout on lawns and private property across the municipality, the announcement states that removing, damaging or vandalizing these signs is a criminal offence that can result in charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.
The Municipal Elections Act also prohibits people from interfering with the transmission of election advertising messages without proper authority.
Also, with election signs posted on private property, anyone entering private property to attempt to commit an illegal act in relation to these signs is also guilty of trespassing – and could be charged under the Trespass to Property Act. In that connection, no one has the right to place a sign on someone's property without that person's permission. Anyone who discovers such an unwanted sign should immediately contact the candidate's office to have it removed.
To report concerns about the placement of an election sign, contact the bylaw enforcement office through the www.Cobourg.ca/report-it tool or call 905-372-8380.
If you see anyone tampering with election signs, contact police at 905-372-6821 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS or visit stopcrimehere.ca).
