Unfortunately we must report that Democratic campaign yard signs have been stolen or discarded on at least two occasions during the month of September.
East Lyme is in the middle of a spirited municipal election season. Candidates from both parties are working hard to earn the trust of voters for seats on the Board of Selectmen and other important town boards. Yard signs, as always, have begun appearing around town.
Unfortunately, while Republican signs remain untouched, many Democratic signs have been stolen or defaced within just days of going up. It is discouraging that we still face this problem in our community. Campaign signs are a simple, visible way for neighbors to express their political choices. Tampering with them doesn’t strengthen democracy -- it undermines it.
Our residents deserve to see all candidates represented fairly. Removing or destroying signs denies voters the opportunity to make informed choices in November. It may feel like a small act to those who do it, but the impact is larger: it breeds resentment, stifles open debate, and chips away at the respect we owe each other.
We are better than this. Political differences can and should spark strong debate, but they should never cross into intimidation or vandalism. East Lyme deserves an election season where every candidate can be seen and heard. Let’s argue with words, not with wire cutters or spray paint.
The ELDTC has spoken with local Republican leadership and we’ve agreed to work together to reduce the likelihood of this activity.
If anybody sees, or hears of, the stealing or defacing of any campaign yard signs in Niantic or East Lyme (regardless of party affiliation), please reach out to either of the ELDTC co-chairs so that we can investigate and inform local authorities as appropriate. Thank you!
