NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The race for the White House is heating up, and so are tempers. Reports of vandalism of campaign signs are increasing, with cases in the Tennessee area.

In Mount Juliet, two individuals, a 16-year-old girl and a 75-year-old man, were charged with vandalism. These days, political campaign signs can be seen almost everywhere, swaying in the wind in an attempt to attract the attention of voters.

“I think it just shows general support,” said voter Chris Hare.

This year’s presidential election is generating great passion among voters, says John Vile, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University.

“Democrats feel like if Trump wins, it could mean the end of democracy as we know it,” Vile said. “Republicans believe that if the Democrats win, all sorts of policies, specifically related to immigration, are going to happen that will be detrimental to the country.”

Some express their frustration by vandalizing political signs.

“Stealing or vandalizing signs is not unique to this election,” Vile emphasized.

Since September 16, the Mount Juliet Police Department has received nearly a dozen reports of damaged Trump campaign signs, involving incidents of signs being cut, letters removed or spray-painted with various words.

To date, Mt. Juliet Police have documented vandalism related to the following signs:

• 3 signs on commercial property along N. Mt. Juliet Road near Division Street.
• 2 signs on commercial property on Lebanon Rd near Devonshire Dr.
• 3 signs on residential property along W. Division Street.
• 1 sign in a residence at Willoughby station

The Wilson County, Tennessee Republican Party even offered a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Police charged a 16-year-old girl from Old Hickory in two incidents and a 74-year-old man from Hermitage in another.

Stealing or vandalizing a campaign sign is considered a misdemeanor in Tennessee. It may be punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a fine.

Vile encourages individuals to respect people’s rights to free expression.

“They have a First Amendment right,” he said. “Put a sticker on their car or a sign in their yard, and you have to respect that.”

Voter Elizabeth Essen emphasizes another way to express her opinions. “Get out and vote,” she said.

Nearby, police services witnessed a few incidents. Murfreesboro police reported one case of vandalism of political signs in recent days, while Clarksville police reported having dozens of cases of vandalism in the past month. However, it is not confirmed that all cases involve political signs.

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Road trip to see some of our neighbors’ best Halloween decorations

We are just a few days away from Halloween. This year, Americans are expected to spend approximately $12 billion on candy, costumes and decorations. In recent years, it seems that more and more people are devoting themselves to decorating their homes. Forrest Sanders had the chance to visit several Midstate communities to check out some of these Halloween decorations.

-Lelan Statom