For some, it’s not an election until the mud starts slinging.

And almost always, it’s not the candidate grabbing fistfuls of dirt; it’s supporters they may not even know.

The race for Adams County sheriff got dirty this weekend when a racial slur and a target were painted on a campaign sign. The sign has since been removed.

Another candidate reports several campaign signs have been stolen.

Theft and defacing of signs isn’t rare. It happens nearly every election, and it is unacceptable behavior, no matter who commits the action.

The addition of a racial slur makes the situation even more disgusting.

Election Day is less than a month away. Candidates need to meet with their friends and supporters and call for a clean race. And the general public needs to follow suit.

The race for sheriff is more than a political game. It’s a job search for our county’s highest law enforcement officer. The man — and therefore his friends — elected to the seat must strive to be above reproach in every way humanly possible.

Elections should be about seeing the best man win, not seeing the other men disgraced.