Stealing campaign signs is illegal

I just received a notice from Rockingham County Board of Elections Director Tina Cardwell,  Tina wanted to remind me that what School Board member Ron Price did was illegal.  I didn't need reminding, but I guess Tina wanted to be sure I knew Ron did a bad thing.

Here's Tina's notice:

The Board of Elections has no authority to enforce laws pertaining to the placement of political signs.  We do provide to and review Political Sign Laws with Candidates when they set up their committees, and also provide this information to the public in an effort to inform.

Issues concerning the placement of political signs within city/town limits on city/town streets are matters for the city/town.

If the sign is in the ETJ, you should call the respective city/town.  Zoning in the ETJ is controlled by the city/town.

Issues concerning the placement of political signs in the county are matters for the county and should be directed to the Planning and Zoning Department.

Issues concerning the placement of political signs on State maintained roads are matters for the NCDOT and should be directed to your local office of the NCDOT.

Signs unlawfully placed upon the property of another have no legal protection and can be disposed of by the property owner.  This does not apply on days voting is taking place for properties that serve as a voting location.

General Statute 14-384 makes it a misdemeanor to remove lawfully placed signs, including political signs.  Complaints as to an alleged violation of this statute should be directed to law enforcement by the complaining party.

There is also a provision in General Statute 136-32(e) that makes it a misdemeanor to remove lawfully placed signs on right-of-ways.  Complaints as to an alleged violation of this statute should be directed to law enforcement by the complaining party.

Please note 136-32(b).  This section of the statute describes the period as to when it is lawful for political signs to be placed on state maintained right-of-ways.