This Letter to the Editor was sent to local news organizations.
“An Abigail Spanberger yard sign displayed by one of our Madison County Democratic Committee (MCDC) members was stolen off their property overnight Sunday. It wasn’t even 24 hours after they got it from our meeting Saturday.
Under Virginia law, this is petty larceny because the sign is valued at less than $1,000. Punishment is up to 12 months in jail and up to including a $2,500 fine or a combination of both. If more than $1,000 worth of signs are stolen, the charge is upgraded to a felony. MCDC is asking property owners to report sign thefts and vandalism to the Sheriff’s Office.
MCDC members, our friends, families, and neighbors do our best to respect the property rights and First Amendment rights of others to display campaign signs. We expect our neighbors on the other side of the political spectrum to do the same.”