Hundreds of campaign signs, those 18-by-24-inch signs emblazoned with the names of candidates for public office, crop up in the Valley every election, like magic. They represent hundreds of dollars of campaign spending. A few of them disappear each season, too, under mysterious circumstances. That’s when they get really expensive.

Once they are lawfully planted, those $3 or $4 signs can cost the prankster who decides to steal them $1,000 each. Jail time might be part of the penalty, too, up to 90 days each for the misdemeanor crime of removing, or defacing, political advertising.

Snoqualmie Police have confirmed at least two instances of campaign signs being stolen from the Snoqualmie Ridge area this fall.

Another form of tampering, covering one sign with another, is not specifically prohibited. Several instances of this were also reported last week.

Ryan Roberts, one of the affected candidates, said he did not plan to pursue any action against Emma Herron, the candidate whose signs covered some of his.

“I just think it’s probably not in the spirit of a local election,” he said.

Asked about the signs, Herron said “Young people posted them,” and apologized for her suppeorters’ getting “carried away…this will be a learning experience for my supporters and for everyone.”

Campaign signs, like all political advertising, are allowed only on private property and within specific, limited locations. Neither the state nor the county allows the signs to stay posted in its rights-of-way. Because they are temporary, campaign signs must be removed no later than 10 days after the general election.