COOPER: A Call for Fairness and Integrity in Our Elections

By Bill Cooper

Campaign Sign Vandalism and the Need for Respect in the Electoral Process

The accompanying photographs document multiple instances of campaign signs being spray-painted, defaced, or damaged. The signs include messages opposing Proposition 1 and signs supporting other conservative/Republican candidates.

These images raise serious concerns about respect for political expression and the standards of conduct we should expect during an election.

This behavior is completely inappropriate and has no place in a fair and civil electoral process.

Elections are a cornerstone of our democratic republic. They provide citizens with the opportunity to express their opinions, support candidates, debate public policy, and make informed decisions about the future of their communities.

That process depends on respecting the rights of others, even when we strongly disagree with their political positions.

The photographs show campaign signs marked with spray paint, including large red markings and other graffiti that obscure the original messages. In some images, signs appear to have been knocked down or separated from their stakes. The photographs alone do not establish who was responsible or the circumstances surrounding each incident, but they provide a reason to take the reported vandalism seriously and investigate where appropriate.

Political disagreement is not a justification for vandalism, theft, or intimidation.

Every candidate and political organization should have an equal opportunity to communicate with voters. Whether a sign supports a Republican, Democrat, independent candidate, or a particular ballot position, the same standard of respect should apply. No one should have to fear that expressing a lawful political opinion will result in the destruction of their property.

A healthy democracy requires more than the freedom to vote. It requires a willingness to respect the rights of fellow citizens. When campaign materials are deliberately defaced or destroyed, the damage extends beyond the cost of replacing a sign. Such conduct undermines public confidence, creates unnecessary hostility, and detracts from the important discussion of candidates, policies, and issues.

There is also a distinction between lawful enforcement of campaign-sign regulations and taking matters into one’s own hands. If a sign is improperly placed, obstructs public access, or violates an applicable ordinance, the appropriate response is to contact the property owner or the responsible public authority. Unauthorized vandalism or removal is not an acceptable substitute for established procedures.

The rules of fair play must apply to everyone.

We should expect candidates, campaign volunteers, political organizations, and citizens to demonstrate integrity throughout the election process. Competing for votes should mean presenting ideas, explaining policy differences, answering questions, and persuading voters—not defacing or destroying the materials of those with whom we disagree.

I encourage anyone who witnesses campaign-sign vandalism or theft to document the incident safely, preserve photographs and other relevant evidence, and report it to the appropriate authorities. Campaigns should also keep records of damaged or missing signs and their replacement costs.

This is about protecting a fundamental principle of our democratic system: the right to participate in the political process without unlawful interference or intimidation.

We can disagree passionately about public policy and the direction of our state while still treating one another with civility. In fact, our ability to do so is an important measure of the strength of our communities.

Let us insist on fair elections, respect for private property, accountability for misconduct, and the peaceful exchange of ideas. Let voters decide elections based on the merits of the candidates and issues—not on intimidation, vandalism, or the destruction of opposing viewpoints.

Fair elections demand fair conduct. Campaign sign vandalism is unacceptable, and it should be addressed through appropriate, lawful channels.

I find it especially interesting that only conservative or Republican signs have been attacked, in some cases destroyed, resulting in the loss of hundreds of signs.

It is even more interesting that the Democrat Party, the party that continually speaks to inclusiveness, that they are there for everyone, only includes people who strongly agree with them, and do not include anyone who disagrees. If this isn’t the definition of hypocrisy, I’m not sure what is. Wouldn’t it be a welcome change to have these negative people grow up?

Photographic Documentation

The following photographs were provided to accompany the letter. They are presented as documentation of the signs’ visible condition; the images alone do not identify who caused the damage or establish the circumstances of each incident.

About Bill Cooper

Bill Cooper is a retired Chief of Police with senior management experience in the private sector. He is a management expert and former three-time elected chair of the Snohomish County Republican Party. Bill has trained PCs, candidates, campaign managers, and district chairs in winning strategies. He holds an MBA, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, and is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Bill has authored or co-authored 16 books, along with various management and leadership papers and articles.

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