HANCOCK COUNTY — When Bob Bogigian was sitting at his breakfast table one morning not long ago, he glanced out the window and happened to see a young person pulling up the political sign he had placed in his yard and walk off with it.
Bogigian rushed out and yelled at the thief, who dropped the sign and took off.
Bogigian, who happens to be a member of the Hancock County Election Board, was flustered at the brazen act.
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“It’s irritating because I would never, ever in a million years do that to signs of a candidate I didn’t agree with, but apparently there are lots of people out there who are doing it,” Bogigian said. “I’ve been hearing a lot of reports of this happening all around the county.”
To say the 2020 election is contentious is an understatement. In an era of extreme political divisiveness, it’s perhaps not surprising that some people would go so far as to steal or deface a political sign because of their dislike for the other side.
Such thefts are not unique to this season, but close observers such as Bogigian say it seems to be more prevalent this year. While it might seem like a minor, mischievous act, taking a sign out of someone’s yard is illegal. It could result in misdemeanor charges of theft and trespassing.
Police have taken a handful of reports about sign thefts, and a number of victims have posted complaints on social media. The Daily Reporter has received emails from readers alarmed over the theft of their signs.
Others are trying to keep it in perspective.
Randy Johnson, chairman of the Hancock County Democratic Party, has been a victim of sign theft in recent weeks. He chuckled at the thought of people stooping to the level of taking signs to stifle an opposing view as if such an act had the power to change someone’s vote.
“I had mine stolen, so it’s no surprise to me,” Johnson said. “I had signs up for state Senate and congressional candidates and for Biden, and they took the Biden sign.”
Johnson says the thefts and vandalism are plaguing both Republicans and Democrats. His neighbors, in fact, who support President Trump, had their signs stolen, too. He wishes people would take a step back and let others support who they want without fear of retaliation.
“When you steal someone’s sign, it’s a suppression of free speech, and that’s not right,” Johnson said.
A buddy gave him a clever sign to display to combat any future sign thefts. The sign reads, “Steal my sign, I donate to Biden-Harris. Keep on stealing them.”
The county Republican Party chair also has received calls about thefts.
“It is happening on both sides,” said Janice Silvey, who is the Hancock County treasurer. “I’ve had people calling me asking where they can get a sign, saying theirs was stolen the night before.”
While Silvey isn’t sure if sign theft can be combated, she noted people are getting smart: They are placing their signs within line of sight of their security cameras and doorbell cameras with the thought of catching any would-be culprit.
In at least one case, persistence pays: Bogigian removed another sign that someone had defaced with spray paint, erecting two new ones.
“No one has touched the two new signs,” he said with a laugh.
There is a positive note about this year’s election cycle: It comes to an end in five days.
“This, too, shall pass,” Silvey said with a laugh.
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Here is a list of polling places that are still open for pre-Election Day voting:
Hancock County Annex — 111 American Legion Place, Greenfield
Through Friday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to noon
Hancock County Public Library — 900 W. McKenzie Road, Greenfield; and 5731 U.S. 52, New Palestine
Through Friday, Oct. 30, 2-7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1-4 p.m.
Fortville Community Center, 400 W. Church St., Fortville; and Buck Creek Township Fire Department 5809 W. Airport Blvd., Mt. Comfort
Through Friday, Oct. 30, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1-4 p.m.
All of the above locations will be open on Election Day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. These vote centers also will be open on Election Day:
-NineStar Connect North, 2331 E. County Road 600N, Greenfield
-Nameless Creek Camp and Event Center, 2675 S. County Road 600E, Greenfield
-Wilkinson Church of Christ, 7293 State Road 109, Wilkinson
-McCordsville Town Hall, 6280 W. County Road 800N, McCordsville
-Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, 3519 S. County 600W, New Palestine
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