CCRP officials state that there have been eye-witness accounts of four vehicles with 8-10 people that jump out to remove signs and replace them

During each election season, candidates from each of the main political parties report theft and vandalism of their political signs. In recent weeks, officials with the Clark County Republican Party (CCRP) state that the abuse is even worse than most election seasons.

As a result, CCRP officials request assistance from area citizens to help identify and stop the theft and vandalism of their candidates’ campaign signs. In many locations throughout Clark County, election signs for conservative and non-partisan candidates have been stolen or vandalized and replaced by a cluster of signs for Democrat-supported candidates, according to CCRP officials. 

Specifically, Tiffany Smiley, Joe Kent, Stephanie McClintock, Park Llafet, and Jeremy Baker signs, as well as some non-partisan position signs for Brett Simpson, Rey Reynolds, Michelle Belkot, Don Benton, and Nancy Barnes, have been removed or damaged. They have been replaced with signs for candidates running against them.

“I have either repaired or replaced it (a Rey Reynold’s sign) 10 times, and the Horch sign 50 feet away has never been touched. Not once!” says volunteer Mike Kersey.

“This is not a democratic process for the elections, and I hope the Democrat Party has nothing to do with this,” said CCRP Chairman Joel Mattila. “The pattern of these crimes is suspicious and has cost our candidates a great deal in funds and time to replace their signs.”

CCRP officials state that there have been eye-witness accounts of four vehicles with 8-10 people that jump out to remove signs and replace them. 

If you have any information, CCRP officials ask that you get in touch with your local police or the Clark County Sheriff’s Office at (564) 397-2211. The mid-term General Election is Tue., Nov. 8. Ballots were mailed out Friday (Oct. 21). CCRP encourages area voters to place their ballots in ballot boxes. Find a close location at: Clark.wa.gov/elections/ballot-deposit-locations.