FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Investigators are trying to determine who is damaging or stealing campaign signs in Fort Bend County.
On Monday, Oct. 28, District Attorney Brian Middleton said several signs were vandalized overnight at polling locations in Sugar Land and Stafford. Signs from at least three different candidates from both political parties were found cut in half and left on the ground.
More than 30 signs were also stolen recently from the Cinco Ranch Library polling place in Katy, according to Middleton.
DA investigators are working with local law enforcement agencies to identify the culprits. They could face criminal mischief charges, fines and even jail time.
“I formed the Election Integrity Security Task Force in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in 2020 to monitor election activity to ensure the integrity of the election process and maintain safety for voters and election workers,” Middleton said. “The Task Force has operated in every election since 2020 to protect the voters and the election workers. The election workers have dedicated numbers to call if they need assistance.”
During the 2024 Primary Elections, a person was charged, prosecuted, and ordered to pay more than $1,500 in restitution for destroying candidate signs.
“Signs don’t vote, people do. Destroying political signs is misguided and not likely to change the outcome of the election,” Middleton. “And while the task force officers work during the hours that the polls are open, patrol officers work around the clock. There are security cameras everywhere, and when we identify who’s responsible, they will be prosecuted.”
If the public has a complaint when they arrive to vote, they can call the Elections Hotline at 281-341-8670 or email Vote@fbctx.gov. If you witness a crime or have information about campaign-related vandalism or theft, please call the non-emergency number of your local police agency.
