The U.S. National Guard has been placed on “standby” in multiple states ahead of Election Day on Tuesday amid concerns of “potential additional civil unrest” stemming from the 2024 presidential election.
CNN reported that the activation of National Guard troops in multiple states comes after at least three ballot drop box fires have occurred recently in Washington and Oregon, causing damage to hundreds of ballots.
In a Friday press release, Gov. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) announced that the National Guard was being placed on standby from Monday to Thursday. Inslee addressed the recent ballot drop box fire incidents, saying, “The southwest region of Washington state has already experienced specific instances of election-related unrest.”
Friday’s press release stated, “This is a purely precautionary measure taken in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s nationwide warnings regarding threats to election infrastructure and other recent activities that have occurred in southwestern Washington.”
The Washington governor explained that he wanted to make sure the state was “fully prepared to respond to any potential additional civil unrest” due to concerns of “the potential for violence or other unlawful activity related to the 2024 general election.”
Inslee noted that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security previously warned that “threats to election infrastructure” remain “high” ahead of Election Day.
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Gov. Joe Lombardo (R-Nev.) announced last Monday that 60 National Guard troops would be on standby ahead of Tuesday’s election to ensure “a safe and smooth Election Day.”
“This decision, which mirrors the state’s routine preparation for past elections, was made after consultation with election officials and state leaders,” Lombardo said in last week’s press release. “It is one of many proactive steps the state is taking to ensure all possible resources are in place for a timely response to any challenges that arise.”
KTVZ reported that Gov. Tina Kotek (D-Ore.) also said the National Guard was on standby ahead of Election Day. In an email obtained by the outlet, Kotek said her office was “closely monitoring and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies to ensure Oregon voters can safely cast their ballot.”
According to KTVZ, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, a Democrat, explained that while there was “no current information to suggest unrest,” there was “a lot of uncertainty and tension” in the Portland community.
