In anticipation of possible civil unrest surrounding Tuesday’s presidential election, the National Guard has been placed on standby as a precaution in several states, including Washington and Oregon, where recent fires damaged or destroyed hundreds of ballots after three ballot drop boxes were set ablaze, officials report.
Most of the damaged ballots were in a drop box in Vancouver, Washington, while another drop box in Portland, Oregon, saw only minimal damage in a fire set the same day, according to election officials.
These incidents are believed to be connected to a third fire on October 8, also in Vancouver. Portland police have released a description of a suspect but have not yet identified him.
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Washington Governor Jay Inslee addressed the ballot box fires in a statement Friday, announcing the National Guard’s standby status and noting that “specific instances of election-related unrest” have already occurred in Washington’s southwest region.
Inslee did not specify the number of troops to be activated but indicated they will be ready to support law enforcement from Monday through Thursday.
The Department of Homeland Security has issued warnings of elevated threats to election infrastructure, Inslee added. “Based upon information and concerns about potential violence or unlawful activity related to the 2024 general election, I want to ensure we are prepared to respond to any additional civil unrest,” he said.
In Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek confirmed that the National Guard is prepared as state leaders urge peaceful protests, according to a statement shared by CNN affiliate KTVZ. “The governor’s office is coordinating closely with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure Oregon voters can safely cast their ballots,” the statement said.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler echoed this sentiment, noting that while there is no specific intelligence suggesting unrest, “uncertainty and tension” are present within the community.
Oregon State Police are coordinating with local law enforcement and the Department of Emergency Management to monitor and respond as needed. Portland’s unified command, including city police, will increase staffing on Election Day “as a precaution.”
The National Guard has been called upon in past elections to assist primarily with cybersecurity.
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This year, Colorado’s National Guard Cyber Task Force is again activated to protect election infrastructure, a practice in place since 2018, the state’s secretary of state’s office noted last month.
Nevada has also mobilized 60 National Guard troops as a preventive measure to ensure a safe Election Day, Governor Joe Lombardo announced, describing it as a routine precaution coordinated with election officials.
In Washington, D.C., preparations are likewise underway, with more than 3,000 police officers scheduled for extended 12-hour shifts, Police Chief Pamela A. Smith shared in a news conference.
Law enforcement leaders nationwide have heightened security efforts since the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, emphasizing public vigilance.
In a joint statement from the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association, law enforcement urged the public to remain vigilant. “As always, we encourage citizens to speak up if they see anything suspicious,” the statement read, “and to allow law enforcement to assess any unusual election activities.”
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