Richmond County Republicans report stolen Trump signs

ROCKINGHAM — Political signs showing support for President Donald Trump are disappearing, according to Richmond County GOP Chairman Jerry Austin.

He said he’s received reports of “dozens” of signs being stolen along U.S. 1 and in the Roberdel area.

Austin also said that at least five signs have even been taken within the past month from the Republican Party’s headquarters on Rockingham Road.

A Trump sign near Food Lion on U.S. 1 was seen on the ground Monday afternoon.

Representatives of both the local and state boards of elections say they have not received any reports, adding that it would be a matter for local law enforcement.

According to state statute, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor to “steal, deface, vandalize, or unlawfully remove a political sign that is lawfully placed.”

Austin said the party plans to file charges "if we catch anyone illegally removing or purposefully destroying campaign signs."

Political signs can be placed in the state road right of way as early as 30 days before the start of early voting, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Restrictions on political sign placement include:

• Whoever places a sign is required to get the permission of any property owner of a residence, business or religious institution fronting the right of way where a sign would be placed;
• No sign is permitted in the right of way of a limited-access highway such as an interstate;
• No sign can be closer than 3 feet from the edge of the pavement of the road;
• No sign can obscure motorist visibility at an intersection;
• No sign can be higher than 42 inches above the edge of the pavement;
• No sign can be larger than 864 square inches; and
• No sign can obscure or replace another sign.

The NCDOT can remove signs for violating those rules.

Signs can remain in the right of way up to 10 days past the Nov. 3 election. Those still in place after the deadline are in violation of state law, and the NCDOT is authorized to remove and dispose of them, according to the agency.