Political candidate Andrew Ketchings isn’t surprised that political signs disappear prior to an election.

&uot;I’ve had a few turn up missing,&uot; said Ketchings, who is running for re-election as state representative for District 95. &uot;I think it happens every election.&uot;

Ketchings isn’t the only candidate who has this problem.

Circuit clerk candidates Fred Ferguson and M.L. &uot;Binkey&uot;&160;Vines have both had signs stolen.

Ferguson said about 75 of his 200 political signs have been removed.

&uot;They’ve been taken over a period of time in the last eight days,&uot;&160;he said.

Ferguson reported the thefts to Adams County’s Sheriff’s Department but did so just for informational purposes.

Ferguson said he does not expect the sheriff’s department to investigate the matter or locate possible suspects.

&uot;This is just something I don’t have control over,&uot; said Ferguson, who does not plan to replace the missing signs because of expense.

And new signs may also be stolen, he added.

Vines said he reported his missing signs to the Natchez Police Department.

In addition to missing signs, Vines said two of his larger signs, valued at $600 a piece, were destroyed.

Neither Vines nor Ferguson knows who may be committing these offenses. Neither believes the other is responsible.

&uot;I don’t want to point a finger at anybody,&uot; Ferguson said.

Vines shares Ferguson’s sentiment.

&uot;That’s childish, and signs don’t vote,&uot; Vines said.

The general election is Nov. 2.