Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has activated members of the National Guard to be on standby for possible election-related violence, as concerns rise over threats to voting infrastructure. The move follows two incidents where incendiary devices were used to set ballot drop boxes on fire, destroying hundreds of ballots in Vancouver, Washington, and nearby Portland, Oregon.
“This is a purely precautionary measure,” Governor Inslee’s office stated on Friday, explaining that the action aims to ensure public safety amidst increased election tension. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued warnings about potential threats to election systems nationwide, raising the urgency for states to reinforce security protocols.
Starting Monday and continuing until early Thursday morning, the National Guard will be on alert in Washington, ready to respond if any incidents occur around Election Day, which falls on Tuesday. While many voters have already cast ballots early, fears persist about potential disruptions or violence on Election Day and in the days following.
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The National Guard, a state-controlled military unit also answerable to the president, is commonly deployed in times of emergency, such as natural disasters or civil unrest. With the Guard’s four-day stand-by period, Inslee’s office hopes to prevent and quickly respond to any incidents of violence or tampering with election equipment.
Local leaders and federal agencies are urging residents to remain calm and patient as votes are counted, while taking steps to ensure election integrity and public safety.