DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials in Wisconsin are reminding residents as Spring Election Day approaches to respect people’s property, which includes political signs as they are personal property and a form of freedom of speech.
According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, taking property without consent is a crime under Wisconsin State Statute 943.20(1)(a), and property damage is a crime under Wisconsin State Statute 943.01(1).
Under Wisconsin State Statute 943.01(1), property damage includes taking or vandalizing political yard signs.
However, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office added that a political sign in the right of way may be removed by County Highway officials or local municipality departments of public works as signs may not be placed in a publicly owned right of way.
No additional details were provided.
