CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office has issued a reminder to residents as Election Day approaches.
"The removal of political signs is not only a crime it can also be considered an act aimed at suppressing free speech in violation of our First Amendment of the United States Constitution," the sheriff's office said in a release.
According to the sheriff's office there have been various reports of signs being taken and they anticipate an increase in signs being put out as Election Day approaches.
The sheriff's office says anyone taking a sign without permission could be subject to criminal charges.
Officials say if you believe a sign is hindering the visibility of traffic or is illegally placed, call the municipality where the sign is located.
