As the municipal election campaign ramps up, election signs are popping up across Guelph, but some candidates say keeping them in place has become an unexpected challenge. Ward 3 candidate Marty Williams says several of his campaign signs have been damaged, vandalized or removed altogether. Williams, a first-time candidate, said the damage is more than a nuisance. He says it makes it harder for voters to recognize his name and learn more about his campaign. “Signs have been damaged. Signs that we’ve placed appropriately have been taken away. Not by any officials, but it seems by some clandestine force,” Williams said. Williams said some candidates have suggested placing signs only on private property to avoid vandalism. But he said that can put new candidates at a disadvantage because they don’t have the same name recognition or established network of supporters. “That’s great if you’re in your fourth election and people already know you and know where all the signs will go and all your supporters,” he said. There is also a financial cost. Williams said campaign budgets are limited and replacing damaged or stolen signs can quickly add up. “Every time you kick over a sign that’s $3, $4, $5 that could be informing somebody or directing somebody to a website that’s not there anymore,” he said. Williams’s campaign manager Anna Nguyen says these acts distract from other important discussions between residents and candidates. “You don’t have to support the same candidate as your neighbour, but you should always respect their right to do so,” said Nguyen. Williams said he recently found damaged signs near London Road and Edinburgh Road in Guelph. He isn’t the only Ward 3 candidate reporting problems. Williams is running against four other candidates, and at least two of them have also reported similar vandalism. Williams said he has been notifying other candidates when he sees their signs damaged or removed. “I don’t replace it myself because I don’t want to be looking like the guy that’s taking a sign down that’s not mine,” he said. The issue has also drawn reminders from police in other parts of Ontario. The Ontario Provincial Police has warned that interfering with election signs may constitute a criminal offence and could result in a police investigation. Williams said he doesn’t know where his missing signs have gone. “Maybe they’re making a museum of me somewhere,” he joked. Despite the setbacks, Williams said he plans to keep putting his name out there, even if his signs keep getting taken down. Anyone who witnesses election sign theft, vandalism or other interference is asked to contact police.
