As Election Day inches closer Missoula Police say there are receiving reports of some politically-motivated crime in town. Police public information officer Travis Welsh explains.

“This is an election year and we are in the middle of the election season,” Welsh said. “We have had a few calls about damaged political signs.”

Damaging political signs may seem like a small crime, but it is still a crime, and can have some hefty penalties.

“Typically in the state of Montana that would constitute a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge,” Welsh said. “Depending on where the sign was located at the time, for example on private property, there is a possibility of a crime of criminal trespass to property. Essentially there is a fine and possibility of jail time.”

There have been reports of signs being spray-painted or otherwise drawn on, while others have been knocked down, removed or destroyed.

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