During IVGID’s last Conversation Cafe (event info), one of the candidates for the IVGID Board of Trustees advised community members to remove other candidates’ campaign signs if they felt the signs were placed improperly or lacked the required “Paid for by” message. The candidate suggested taking a photo of the sign, removing it, and delivering it to the Sheriff’s office.
We strongly urge the community not to follow this misguided advice from the candidate.
It is critical to understand the legal processes regarding political signs in Nevada. First and foremost, it is illegal to take someone else’s property, regardless of whether the sign is improperly placed or missing required information.
Here’s the correct process:
- For signs placed incorrectly in Washoe County, similar to NDOT guidelines, you should call 611 and ask for code enforcement. Report the infraction, and county officials will retrieve the sign and contact the owner. (More info)
- For signs missing a “Paid for by” disclaimer, file a complaint with the Nevada Secretary of State. They will notify the candidate or PAC and request that the issue be corrected.
It was irresponsible for any candidate to encourage the removal of their opponent’s campaign signs, and we hope that once the proper legal procedures are understood, this misinformation is no longer acted upon.
Please note that all political signs must be removed within 30 days after the election (NRS 410.400(4)), and we expect full compliance from all candidates and the PAC.