09/05/2026
As election season ramps up, the Fort Fairfield Police Department wants to remind everyone about the rules surrounding political campaign signs.
Displaying a sign is a time-honored way for residents to take part in the political process and exercise their right to free expression. That right belongs to everyone, regardless of political stripes, and it relies on a basic community standard: respecting what belongs to others.
When people cross the line and start tampering with or stealing signs placed on private property, it stops being a political disagreement and becomes a crime. Landowners put those signs up with clear intent and permission, and messing with them violates both their property and their voice.
Depending on what happens, getting caught stealing or vandalizing signs can lead to legal trouble under Maine law:
Theft Charges: Taking a sign off private property can result in a theft charge. Depending on the sign's value, a Class E crime carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine, while higher-value incidents can step up to a Class D crime carrying up to 364 days behind bars and a $2,000 fine.
Criminal Mischief: Vandalizing, defacing, or smashing a sign isn't just property damage—it’s a Class D misdemeanor that can mean up to 364 days in jail and fines reaching $2,000, plus having to pay back the owner for the damage.
Criminal Trespass: Walking onto someone else's land uninvited just to mess with their yard signs can layer on additional trespassing charges.
If you spot someone tampering with political signs in your neighborhood, give us a call at the Fort Fairfield Police Department at 207-472-3808. We will prosecute if you are found to have been responsible for the recent vandalism of signs in our community. Thank you.
