Seattle, Washington – With the upcoming presidential election stirring up potential civil unrest, the National Guard has been placed on standby in various states, including Washington and Oregon. Recent incidents of ballot drop boxes being set on fire, leading to the destruction of hundreds of ballots, have raised concerns among officials.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee highlighted the election-related unrest in the southwest region of the state as a reason for deploying the National Guard. The troops will be available from Monday to Thursday to support law enforcement during this critical time.
In Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek has also confirmed that the National Guard is ready to respond as political leaders urge for peaceful protests. Despite no specific information indicating potential unrest, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler acknowledged the existing uncertainty and tension within the community.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has taken proactive measures by placing 60 National Guard troops on standby for Election Day, aiming to ensure a safe and smooth voting process. This preparation aligns with the state’s past practices during elections to maintain security and order.
The heightened security measures are not limited to the states, as Washington, DC, is also ramping up its law enforcement presence ahead of the election. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith announced that over 3,000 police officers will be working 12-hour shifts to maintain peace and security in the nation’s capital.
The urgency for increased security measures stems from the events of January 6, 2021, when an insurrection at the US Capitol disrupted the certification of the previous presidential election. The incident has underscored the need for vigilance and preparedness among law enforcement agencies across the country.