Several days into the election, candidates’ signs have been spray-painted, knocked down and stolen.
Jonathon Smith, student body presidential candidate, said he hasn’t had a tremendous problem with vandalism, but has experienced some issues.
“I got a call last week that some skateboarders were using my signs as a ramp,” Smith said. “I got [to the sign] and the boards were nearly split in half.”
Smith said the vandalism is unfortunate for all candidates. He expressed his disappointment in the vandalism.
“We’re all really committed to this, so to see that kind of thing is discouraging,” Smith said.
Andy Walsh, student body presidential candidate, experienced the most vandalism. Walsh said one particular event appeared to be a direct attack.
Walsh’s large wooden “A-frame” sign in the Court of Carolinas was spray-painted with the words “cheater,” and “stupid.”
“I’m the only candidate to build one of those A-frame signs. I want a lot of votes,” Walsh said.
Walsh explained the spray-paint incident was the only one that particularly annoyed him.
“I thought that was a pretty direct attack, and I’m the only person that has had that happen to them,” Walsh said. “I don’t care what you do with my signs after Tuesday of next week, but until then, just please don’t touch them.”
There are no suspects as to who may have vandalized the sign, but Smith said he didn’t suspect foul play among fellow candidates.
“I’m thinking that it is just typical students going crazy on campus at nighttime,” Smith said.
Although the sign was vandalized, Walsh said he continues to keep his head up.
“I keep doing my own thing, trying to win the election,” Walsh said.
Caroline Yopp , student body presidential candidate, said although she hasn’t experienced as much vandalism as Walsh, it is an unfortunate thing to happen to anyone.
“I think that coming out and doing something like that, you’re basically tearing up someone else’s property,” Yopp said. “Even if you don’t agree with the person or the platform, I encourage people not to take it out on their campaign.”
All candidates said they are keeping a close watch over their signs.
“I have to be more strategic about where I place stuff, and I am keeping a better eye on my stuff,” Yopp said.
“We have been monitoring it and we have people walking around at night to do rounds,” Walsh said.
Walsh said vandalism-although burdensome-is something that happens in every student election.
“I was joking with a few of the past student body presidents that I had set a new record because my signs were defaced the very first night, it usually takes a week for it to happen,” Walsh said, “I even heard jokes that people last year who stole signs and used them as furniture.”
Yopp said unfortunately, there would always be people out there who are against Student Government.
“Some people hate Student Government all together, some people hate elections,” Yopp said.
All candidates expressed they wanted an election free from vandalism and ill will towards any person running.
“It’s not about the signs or the advertising, there are really some great candidates,” Walsh said. “Just learn about them and their vision for N.C. State.”
“The candidates have put a lot of money and a lot of time into this.” Smith said. “It’s not necessary to be vandalizing things.”