Residents of Bellefontaine are reminded that it is illegal to place political signs in the boulevard, as well as illegal to remove or steal them.
This includes any signs placed for candidates running for office, which must adhere to local regulations regarding placement and removal.
In a recent incident on October 14th, a motorist was seen removing a sign for Republican candidate Bernie Moreno from the boulevard, leading to a potential investigation by local authorities.
Officers from the Bellefontaine Police Department witnessed the suspect in the act, prompting a traffic stop.
During questioning, the driver claimed the sign was obstructing visibility and insisted he believed it was abandoned, however, left a sign (next to the Moreno sign) for Tamie Wilson, a candidate for Ohio’s 4th Congressional District.
The situation has been forwarded to the Municipal Prosecutor for review.
Police Chief Chris Marlow talks about ownership of political signs:
The incident serves as a reminder that taking matters into one’s own hands can lead to legal consequences.
A City of Bellefontaine Ordinance reminds residents that there are rules about signage placement.
Signs are to:
– Stay off sidewalks and streets unless you get permission from the Service-Safety Director.
– Be at least ten feet away from the curb or road edge. For corner lots, measure from the main street.
See the exact wording of the Ordinance HERE.
If you notice signs improperly placed or have concerns about sign removal, it’s crucial to report the matter to local law enforcement rather than taking action yourself.
