This Popular Fall ‘Prank’ Is Actually Illegal Here In Minnesota

As the leaves begin to turn over to their fall hues of yellow, orange, and red another popular fall tradition begins. Political yard signs have continued to 'bloom' as we get closer to the November election. Fall is also a time where we see political yard signs disappear overnight, regardless of political affiliation, and while it seems like a 'harmless prank' it's illegal in Minnesota.

Theft of a political sign is no different than theft of personal property in the eyes of law enforcement. Someone found in possession of stolen political signs can face fines and possibly jail time depending on the overall value of the stolen property.

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This isn't a new law, actually, back in August a couple from Alexandria was caught with more than 240 political signs, many changed to reflect another candidate. That couple is looking at possible felonies and jail time over the sign theft.

I know when I was in high school we used to go around at night and move signs into neighboring lawns. I'm not saying it was smart, but to my friends and I, it was some harmless fun in the 'burbs.

Candidates spend their own money or campaign money on their yard signs, and we should respect that, regardless of your political leanings or ideas. The good news is that we are just 41 days until the election, which means at most 51 more days of yard signs popping up along streets and boulevards, or for those who live out of town, signs popping up on the edge of fields.