VANCOUVER — Supporters of presidential nominee Donald Trump in Clark County are reporting that the vandalism of campaign signs promoting their candidate has become so widespread that an anonymous donor has come forward to offer a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone damaging or stealing a Trump sign.
“They’re being stolen, being vandalized, being cut out with knives,’’ said Joel Mattila, chairman for Trump Clark County. “They’re being spray painted, demolished, and knocked over — basically any and all forms of vandalism.’’
Mattila said he had three Trump yard signs stolen from his own home.
“We have volunteers who go out and set these signs up,’’ Mattila said. “They work so hard and put in so many hours. It’s a whole process.’’
Mattila said his organization has placed literally hundreds of Trump signs around Clark County. He did not have an accurate count of how many had been stolen or vandalized, but he said the Trump Clark County sign chairman reported 30 of the large 4-foot, by 8-foot signs had been vandalized.
“It’s super frustrating and maddening,’’ said Mattila, who indicated there was very little police could do about the problem without catching the vandals in the act.
Candidates of all political affiliations and parties routinely report of vandalism to their signs during each election cycle. However, Mattila said the vandalism of Trump signs has “absolutely’’ been worse than anything he has experienced or heard of in the past.
Mattila said anyone with information about a vandalized Trump sign should email TrumpClarkCounty@gmail.com to provide information and inquire about the reward.
