Some individuals seem to believe referendum signs are fair targets because they disagree with their message.

But political disagreement does not justify destroying someone else’s campaign materials, and police are seeking those responsible for damaging seven authorized referendum signs in Fort McMurray.

According to CTV News, Wood Buffalo RCMP received a report on October 8 that seven signs had been defaced with spray paint. Investigators believe the vandalism occurred between September 29 and October 4.

The signs belonged to third-party campaign group Let Alberta Decide, which placed 11 signs around the city with permission from Elections Alberta and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

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These were authorized campaign materials, not signs installed without permission.

The damaged signs included two along Thickwood Boulevard, two on Confederation Drive, and one each on Hospital Street, MacKenzie Boulevard and Highway 63, across from the dump station.

Seven of the group’s 11 signs were vandalized. That is nearly 64% of its signs in the community.

Opponents have plenty of democratic options: put up their own signs, challenge the arguments, persuade their neighbours and vote.

Spray paint contributes nothing to that debate.

Albertans can disagree fiercely about their province’s future while respecting each other’s political opinions.