The worst part of election season is upon us.

Instead of admiring the wildflowers, local drivers are staring at another roadside attraction — campaign signs.

Like the flowers, campaign signs come in a variety of sizes and eye-catching colors. And they are shooting up like weeds, many of them in the wrong places.

Adams County supervisors recently complained about signs unlawfully placed along the roadways.

County regulations prohibit political signs from being staked on the public rights-of-way for a reason. In addition to being a distraction to drivers, the signs make it difficult for county crews to mow high grass at intersections and along roadways.

If the proliferation of signs were not enough, disappearing signs are also becoming a problem in the county.

In recent days, candidates have started complaining on social media about their campaign signs being stolen. One candidate found a pile of his signs dumped alongside the road.

With more than 50 local candidates in this year’s election, the chances are good that our campaign sign problems are just beginning and may reach a disconcerting level not seen before in this county.

Unless something is done, the situation could get out of hand.

First, candidates need to comply with the law — period. Any signs that are placed in the public rights-of-way need to be removed by the county immediately.

Those caught stealing or vandalizing signs need to be prosecuted.

A clear message needs to be sent to those who choose to violate the law. Infractions will not be tolerated.

After all, if candidates choose to violate the law while campaigning, how can we expect them to obey the law when they are in office?