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By Chris Brown

Vandalism and theft

Two candidates report election sign tampering in Redcliff

Sep 1, 2021 | 3:11 PM

REDCLIFF, AB – Redcliff RCMP are investigating after receiving complaints from two municipal election candidates of signs being stolen or damaged.

Mayoral candidate Ernie Reimer and council candidate Matthew St. Pierre have both reported incidents to police, who say there are no witnesses and no suspects.

Reimer said it’s worrying and not something he experienced in previous campaigns.

“It just makes you wonder is someone else that is running for town council or whatever, are they involved. But then I can’t see anybody, an adult, doing something like that,” he said. “But it’s never happened before. I’ve run for council twice before and I’ve never had a sign stolen. It is concerning because you take it personally.”

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Reimer says he’s had four signs go missing, one of which has been returned. They’ve been taken from people’s lawns and also more public roadways such as Broadway Avenue.

He said he’s heard other councillors have noticed signs missing too and he’s seen social media comments saying kids have been seen playing with signs.

Damage and theft of municipal election signs has also been reported in Edmonton. Reports of damage to federal election signs have been widespread across the country.

That’s prompted police agencies to warn that election sign tampering is a criminal offence and can result in a mischief charge.

Anyone with information on local incidents is encouraged to contact Redcliff RCMP.