ORANGEBURG, NY – With Election Day just around the corner, tensions are rising in Rockland County as reports of political sign theft and vandalism emerge in the Town of Orangetown. Both Democratic and Republican parties claim their campaign materials are being targeted.
According to the Orangetown Democratic Committee, over 150 campaign signs supporting their candidates were allegedly stolen this past weekend alone. The Committee has filed reports with law enforcement regarding the thefts. Larry Vail, a Tappan resident and member of the Committee, shared his frustration, stating, “This is a level that we just haven’t seen before. My particular area, I noticed that everything from the Clarke Rail Trail to the middle of Tappan was removed.”
The Republican Party has also been impacted. The Orangetown GOP reported similar incidents, including damage to signs supporting Republican Rep. Mike Lawler. One of Lawler’s signs appeared to have been cut in half, according to photos shared by Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny. In addition, a Pearl River resident reported that a campaign sign for Assemblyman John McGowan, a Republican, was taken from their property.
“Sadly, I don’t think these acts are limited to one party over another, and unless there are consequences, it will continue to happen,” Supervisor Kenny stated. Her remarks highlight the bipartisan nature of the issue, with both parties affected by what appears to be a coordinated effort to disrupt local campaigns.
Residents are increasingly vocal about their frustrations. Jemar Ward, of Valley Cottage, expressed his disappointment after discovering trash on his front lawn and the disappearance of Democratic candidate signs from his property. “I was pretty upset and disturbed. Somebody is trespassing on my property and kind of violating my civic rights,” Ward said.
Local police departments have confirmed they are investigating the incidents. Clarkstown police reported five instances of political sign theft since September, though no witnesses or video surveillance have been available to identify suspects. Similarly, Piermont police are looking into six reports of sign theft from properties in the past week.