Dubois County Clerk Issues Legal Warning Over Campaign Sign Theft And Vandalism During Election Season

Indiana residents could face felony charges for stealing or vandalizing campaign signs. Clerk Amy Kippenbrock explains the laws protecting political materials.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 10:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Dubois County Free Press

Legal Protections For Political Expression In Indiana

As election activities intensify, Dubois County Clerk Amy Kippenbrock has issued an official notice regarding the legal status of campaign signage. According to the Clerk, Indiana law provides specific protections for political materials, and any interference with these signs is subject to prosecution. The warning serves to curb the rising trend of property interference during high-stakes political cycles, reinforcing the principle that private and campaign property remains off-limits to the public regardless of political affiliation.

Criminal Penalties For Theft And Property Conversion

The act of taking or moving a campaign sign without explicit permission is classified as Theft under Indiana Code § 35-43-4-2. For property valued at less than $750, the offense is treated as a Class A misdemeanor; however, if the total value of the stolen materials exceeds that threshold, the charge can escalate to a Level 6 felony. Furthermore, Indiana Code § 35-43-4-3 covers Criminal Conversion, which applies to those who damage or "convert" another person’s property for their own use without authorization. These statutes ensure that even low-value items like yard signs are protected by the state’s criminal justice framework.

Strict Regulations On Public Right-Of-Way Placement

While political signs are protected on private property, the Clerk noted that they are strictly prohibited within state-managed rights-of-way. Under Indiana Code § 9-21-4-6, signs placed too close to highways or within public transit corridors are considered safety hazards and are subject to immediate removal by authorities. Residents and campaign volunteers are encouraged to verify boundary lines with the Dubois County Highway Department or the Indiana Department of Transportation to ensure their materials are legally situated and not subject to administrative seizure.