It’s a problem again this election: Can the impulsive souls who steal and vandalize the candidates’ signs please give it a break?

A fellow candidate, Dale Holman, asked what to do about several of his signs, which are suddenly missing along Congress Street in Portland (including some before the storms). I’ve had to call my opponent to let him know that someone threw a couple of his signs into the street, where passing cars had demolished them. I doubt there are many candidates who don’t have many similar stories they’re not bothering to share.

If people don’t like a candidate, vote for their opponent. Or try to convince people to vote one way or another. But don’t decide to erase efforts to let voters know who their choices are. That’s not how elections are supposed to work.

William Clardy
Republican candidate, Maine House of Representatives, District 60
Augusta