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Sheriff’s Office: don’t steal election signs

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public not to steal lawn signs as Election Day nears.

In a news release, the department said, “The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all residents that the theft of signs is a crime in New York state. The removal of political signs is not only a crime it can also be considered an act aimed at suppressing free speech in violation of our First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

“There have been various reports of signs being taken and as election day approaches there will likely be an increase in signs being put out. Anyone taking a sign without permission could be subject to criminal charges. Should you believe a sign is hindering visibility of traffic or that it is illegally placed call the municipality where the sign is located.”

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