Think of campaign signs in someone’s yard as you would a tree or a flower or a barbecue.

They’re not yours.

Leave them alone.

Don’t trespass or steal.

You might be annoyed by the mere sight of a sign.

(Some people don’t like garden gnomes, either.)

The very idea that people support the candidate you oppose can have that effect.

But the reality is that tens of millions of Americans will vote for the Trump/Vance ticket, and tens of millions more will vote for Harris/Walz.

That a relative handful of those people choose to advertise their allegiance by staking a sign in their yard ought not surprise anyone.

Jeanie Zebrak, chair of the Baker County Democrats, told the Herald that around 40 Harris/Walz signs have been taken or damaged in the county over the past month or so.

Absent direct evidence, which hasn’t been offered, there’s no way to say with certainty what motivated the thieves and vandals.

But that doesn’t matter.

The act, regardless of the reason, is indefensible.

Signs are inanimate. They don’t invalidate your vote.

If the sight bothers you, close your eyes.

Unless you’re driving.