ROCKINGHAM, Va. (WHSV)—Rockingham County residents are facing defaced political signs in their yards. The signs, which have been defaced with hateful messages and symbols, are raising concerns about rising tensions as election day approaches.

Mark and Jerrilyn MacDanel woke up Sunday to their signs defaced. After thinking it was an isolated incident, they were greeted with another incident of vandalism Tuesday morning.

“Can’t we all get along and have democracy as it should be, without being threatened? » said Mark MacDanel, who believes the attacker tried to intimidate them before election day.

The signs were defaced with insults, including a swastika. The MacDanels have since reported the incident to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, where they say similar incidents of vandalism are not common.

“Luckily we haven’t had any major issues with this and we hope it stays that way for another week.”

Mark said he decided to keep the signs to show people the behavior some are exhibiting during this political season. The defacement of political signs is not an isolated incident during this election period. All over the countrymany see this as a sign of growing frustration. But the MacDanels want people to remember the importance of respect, regardless of their opinions.

“We need to be kinder, more loving and more inclusive of everyone’s point of view…and I have every right to put up my signs,” Jerrilyn MacDanel said.

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