States prepare National Guard for potential election unrest

Listen To Story Above

Several states, including some led by Democratic governors, are preparing for potential unrest on Election Day by activating National Guard units. This precautionary measure comes in the wake of the 2020 civil unrest associated with racial justice movements.

Washington’s Governor Jay Inslee has placed National Guard members on standby from Monday to Thursday, citing recent “election-related unrest” as a concern. This decision follows incidents in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, where devices marked “Free Gaza” were allegedly detonated inside ballot boxes.

Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek has also put the National Guard on alert, emphasizing that voter intimidation will not be tolerated. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has increased police staffing as a precaution, despite no specific threats being identified.

In Nevada, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo has readied 60 National Guard members to ensure a smooth election process. This move is part of the state’s routine preparation for elections.

Washington D.C. is taking extensive precautions, with over 3,000 police officers scheduled for 12-hour shifts during the election period. The Secret Service has erected high fences around the White House and Vice President Kamala Harris’s residence as part of their security measures.

The Department of Homeland Security has warned of ongoing threats to election infrastructure, prompting these heightened security measures across various states. While officials stress these are precautionary steps, they reflect the tense atmosphere surrounding the upcoming election.