10/18/2026
Yesterday, a supporter put signs on his property and went off on errands. When he returned, his property had been vandalized, and the signs were torn down; some were even damaged. We wanted to remind folks that destroying campaign signs is against NYS law. This vandalism has been reported to the police, and you were caught on Ring camera footage. The signs go back up today, and he will continue to exercise his right under the 1st Amendment to freedom of speech!
New York State Law on Campaign Yard Sign Vandalism
In New York, stealing or damaging political yard signs is illegal — it can be charged as theft, criminal mischief, or other offenses under state law, with penalties that may include fines and jail time.
Key State Laws
1. Theft / Damage to Signs
• Penal Law § 155.25 – Theft: Taking a campaign sign without permission is considered theft of property.
• Penal Law § 145.00 – Criminal Mischief: Damaging, defacing, or otherwise harming a campaign sign is a criminal mischief offense
• Penal Law § 145.30 – Unlawful Posting: Affixing a sign to someone else’s property without permission is a violation, punishable by up to 15 days in jail and a $250 fine
2. Penalties
• Theft or criminal mischief charges can be classified as Class A Misdemeanors in New York, carrying up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $1,000
• Violations under § 145.30 carry up to 15 days in jail and $250 fine
• Offenses can also result in restitution, removal of the sign, and possible probation.
3. Constitutional Protections
• Political yard signs are protected under the First Amendment and the New York State Constitution
• You cannot remove a sign from someone else’s property just because you disagree with its message — that is illegal and may also be trespassing if you enter private property without permission
Local Enforcement
• Sheriff’s offices (e.g., Yates County) and local police issue public reminders that damaging or stealing signs is a crime
Local ordinances may also regulate where and how signs can be placed, but these do not override the criminal nature of vandalism or theft
Practical Takeaways
• Do not take down, damage, or deface a campaign sign — even if it’s on your neighbor’s property or in a public area where signs are allowed.
• Do report vandalism or theft to local law enforcement.
• Know that your rights to free speech do not include the right to destroy or steal another person’s property.
In short: In New York, vandalizing a campaign yard sign is a criminal offense under state law, with potential jail time and fines, and it is not protected by free speech rights
