As we get closer to the election, local authorities are reminding residents about possible legal trouble for removing political campaign signs from their neighbors’ yards after a residents said their sign was stolen in a Raleigh neighborhood.

Julie Gorka said she and some of her neighbors had their political campaign signs stolen from their front yards as well.

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“Something about it being something that I was choosing and said something about me and my beliefs,” she said. “I think it’s just a shame we can’t have a civil debate these days that everybody is so charged.”

Gorka wished people would find different ways to express disagreement over a person’s preferred candidate.

“It seems like bullying to sneak in and take something,” she said. “I wonder also, if they’re willing to do that, what else they’re willing to do?”

Gorka said she didn’t file a police report for the incident and just bought a new sign, adding people shouldn’t be afraid to have political beliefs on either side without fear of people taking their campaign signs from their property.

“My neighbors who don’t agree with me who put up their signs; I won’t steal them,” she said. “I think we should all be able to do that.”

While it can be frustrating for residents, it can cause even bigger problems for those who steal the signs.

Under state law, taking lawfully placed campaign signs before an election and up to 30 days after is a Class III misdemeanor and can be punishable by a fine of up to $200.

“I don’t think people know it’s a crime,” Gorka said.

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office said they haven’t seen too many sign thefts this season, but that could change as the election draws near.

“I know things can get charged up, especially in recent years, in the political season,” Sgt. Israel Romero said.

According to Romero, residents have permission to post signs on their property, but there are guidelines.

“You can’t obstruct vision from the roadways or anything like that … It can’t be a big sign where it’s obstructing the roadway where somebody may get involved in a crime,” he said.

Romero said residents can call non-emergency lines for local law enforcement if their signs are stolen.

“Stealing a sign is not going to convert someone to your way of thinking, so why do it?” Romero said.