Although it may seem like a funny prank to pull, vandalizing or removing election campaign signs is however a crime. Such incidents have taken place in southern Manitoba and Carman RCMP Corporal Dale Sinclair reminds people that these actions come with some serious consequences.

"Anyone who defaces a sign is guilty of...mischief under five-thousand dollars pursuant to...the Criminal Code."

Sinclair adds Section 183 of the Elections Act also explains that a person without authority who takes down, covers up, mutilates, defaces or alters a notice or other document is also guilty of an offence.

"Under the Elections Act the fines range from two thousand dollars to ten thousand dollars and there's also imprisonment."

Ultimately, he encourages people to think again before crossing the line.

"Elections of course in a democratic society are supposed to be open and fair, why interrupt that process? If you don't like another candidate then simply don't vote for that candidate."

Sinclair says vandalizing signs is childish and unproductive and at the end of the day, won't get you anywhere.

If you see anyone removing or vandalizing election signs, Sinclair urges you to report it to local police.

Meantime, St.Pierre RCMP Staff Sergeant Rheal Gravel is responding to the graffiti drawn on a pair of Cliff Graydon signs along Highway 59 north of St.Pierre.

"It is an act of vandalism and an act of mischief," says Gravel. "We strongly encourage people to contact the local RCMP and let us know exactly what they know, what they've witnessed so that we can do follow through with it."