Over Memorial Day weekend, several signs supporting Paris selectmen candidates Ray Glover and Lloyd “Skip” Herrick disappeared without a trace.

It is important for people to remember that unlawful removal of political signs is a punishable offense. Maine law states that “A person who takes, defaces or disturbs a lawfully placed sign bearing political messages relating to a general election, primary election or referendum commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of up to $250 may be adjudged.”

In this season of campaigning, let us be mindful that candidates’ signs are a form of free speech, which the men and women we honored on Memorial Day fought to protect.

Anne Stanley, Paris