The Conservative candidate for Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee is leading the charge when it comes to damaged election signs.
On Thursday morning (April 17), Conservative candidate Scott Anderson sent an email out to the media stating his displeasure for damaged election signs, not only to his but for every political party.
"I unequivocally condemn this kind of behaviour against any political party for any reason during an election," said Anderson. "These signs represent countless hours of volunteer work and significant financial resources, and destroying them is deeply disrespectful to the democratic process."
Damaging election signs is illegal and a federal crime. Charges for this can be mischief to property, theft under $5,000 if the sign is stolen, or up to a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
"LetÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s all work together to keep this campaign focused on the issues, not on division and destruction," said Anderson.
It's unknown at this time if Anderson has reached out to Vernon North Okanagan RCMP or Elections Canada about the damaged signs. Black Press Media has reached out to Anderson for confirmation, as well as Liberal candidate Anna Warwick Sears and NDP candidate Leah Main for comment.
"Damaging election signs is an incredibly childish thing to do. If you donÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™t like a candidate, donÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™t vote for them," said Main in her response. "Both RCMP and Elections Canada should be notified of the damage, but are unlikely to be able to do anything unless the vandals are caught in the act."
Black Press Media has also reached out to Vernon North Okanagan RCMP for comment.
The candidates in the Kelowna riding have also taken to social media to report damaged election signs over the past few weeks. It's unclear if the Kelowna candidates contacted RCMP or Elections Canada.
