Concerns expressed over damage to signs

With the municipal election in full swing, it’s common to see signs popping up on lawns and other green space supporting the candidates.

It’s also common this election, as in previous years, to see signs knocked over or even pulled out of the ground.

“We’ve had one complaint, dating back from Sept. 18,” said Truro Police Service Insp. Rob Hearn.

“We did extra patrols in the area, but nothing came out of it.”

Ken Henderson, the returning officer for the Town of Truro and those school board districts within the town, said there have been “concerns expressed” about damage to signs.

“I do know under the federal Elections Act there is a section pertaining to sign damage,” he said.

While looking through the municipal act, he wasn’t able to find anything directly referencing damage.

“In talks with other returning officers past, it’s treated as private property,” he said.

Hearn said Section 430 (mischief) of the Criminal Code of Canada, could be applied to any damage to election signs.