Every election in recent memory in the Northwest Corner has been sullied by the defacing or theft of candidate signs set out by residents on private property. Signs from both sides of the political fence have been vandalized. Those who have had their signs taken or ruined take it personally, and why not? They are simply exercising their rights as American citizens to take part in the democratic process, caring enough to choose candidates and encourage others to share their opinions on voting. Why should they be subjected to such a violation of their space?
One of the largest signs to go up in the area in past elections has been on Route 44 in Salisbury. During the last presidential election in 2004, the sign was taken down repeatedly and torn up. Each time, the homeowner replaced it. Finally, it was pieced together to last until Election Day. This time, signs were taken down throughout the Mudge Pond area in Sharon, and there were also signs moved or taken in Lakeville and elsewhere.
What’s the goal? Does anyone actually believe that ripping down a candidate sign will lead to a reversal in the beliefs of the person who put it up? It is a kind of intimidation. And nobody should have to feel intimidated about revealing their political beliefs in a free country. Neither should citizens be soured on the process through such despicable acts that they may no longer care to vote. In the face of repression, however, whether by the government (remember the Boston Tea Party?) or by their neighbors, Americans have historically responded with defiance. One would think, then, that the vandalizing of signs would have the reverse of the intended effect, giving political enthusiasts more reason than ever to maintain their beliefs and to vote.
And vote we should, with a keen awareness of the rights we all have as American citizens. We have the right to express our political viewpoints, to put candidate signs up on our lawns without a fear of retaliation and we have the right to have our votes counted, making a difference to our society, on Election Day. Make your choices on Nov. 4.
