Multiple instances of election signs being vandalized have occurred over recent weeks, however few result in a police report. (NanaimoNewsNOW photo/@Tim12631681 Twitter)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

mischief

Multiple election signs damaged across mid-Island

Apr 7, 2025 | 5:24 AM

NANAIMO — Political discourse on the mid-Island has spilled over into multiple instances of vandalism and property destruction.

While official reports to Mounties are minimal, several signs belonging to candidates running in this month’s federal election have been damaged or destroyed, affecting candidates from either side of the political spectrum.

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW they’ve only received one official report of an election sign being vandalized.

“If people are seeing this, they’re not reporting it. They’re simply taking the signs down and replacing them. It is property, it is considered mischief if they are destroyed and you could be subject to a Criminal Code offence.”

Most instances seen by NanaimoNewsNOW have involved signs belonging to either incumbent NDP candidate Lisa Marie Barron, or Conservative candidate Tamara Kronis.

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Paul Manly (Greens), Michelle Corfield (Liberals) and Stephen Welton (PPC) are also running in the riding, which to date is a repeat of the field which ran in 2021.

O’Brien said the behaviour is “pretty standard”, but it doesn’t often involve RCMP.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s an election or not, it’s public property and it’s deemed to be mischief. There’s no fine, or offence under the Criminal Code for damaging an election sign, it’s damaging property.”

Candidates have until Wednesday, April 7 to official declare their candidacy for the April 28 vote.

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