The political climate feels particularly heated these days. While it's been an issue over the years, I feel like I've seen more people talking about this than I can remember.

A Northern Wisconsin sheriff's office is joining in the chorus of law enforcement organizations issuing an important reminder about political signs in the final days ahead of the 2024 election.

The Bayfield County Sheriff's Office posted to their social media on Thursday afternoon, reminding the public that while you might not like the political signs in your neighbor's yard or along the side of the road, it is illegal to mess with them.

In their message, they explain that it is 'unacceptable' to destroy, vandalize, or steal political signs - no matter what your views are. They go on to explain that everyone has the right to express their opinions peacefully.

Not only is it (to use the word they used) unacceptable, but it is also illegal. That's not just true in Bayfield County. It's the same story everywhere around the country.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

Tampering with, damaging, or removing someone's political signs can lead to criminal charges or citations.

Wisconsin TV station WISC-TV explains there may be some limitations on the size of signs, the lighting used to illuminate them, or things like where they are placed on your property can be regulated by municipalities, but political messaging overall is protected speech and that includes signs on people's yards.

Some may make the argument that those who are damaging or removing political signs are exercising their own political voice. That argument, however, is not a valid one in the eyes of the law.

That said, while you might not agree with the signs in your neighbor's yard, you should at least respect their equal right to freedom of speech - one of the core values of our country.

Plus, with the extra heated political climate out there, the reminder to passionately, yet civilly disagree is a good one - whether it's about signs, social media posts, or interpersonal interactions.

23 Celebrities Who Ran for Political Office

Discover 23 famous people, from reality TV stars to movie stars and athletes, who ran for government.

Gallery Credit: Jacklyn Krol

More From 98.1 KHAK