Washington and Oregon have ramped up security measures ahead of the 2024 General Election. Concerns over potential election-related violence have prompted Washington Governor Jay Inslee to activate the National Guard.
This decision follows incidents like ballot box arsons in Portland and Vancouver. Oregon is in sync with Washington’s approach, stepping up its preparedness through coordination with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a secure electoral process for voters.
The National Guard will support local law enforcement and the State Patrol to prevent any disruptions during the election period. While the number of deployed members is undetermined, they will remain on standby from Monday through Thursday night. The measure follows warnings from Homeland Security about potential threats to election infrastructure. These steps underscore the importance of preparedness against any unlawful activities related to the election.
Oregon has not yet activated its National Guard but is prepared to do so if necessary. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler acknowledged community tensions, despite no current signs of unrest. Oregon State Police, local law enforcement, and the Department of Emergency Management are increasing police staffing on election day. In 2020, Oregon deployed the National Guard for election security, highlighting a trend among states to utilize the Guard for both physical and cyber security during elections.
🚨 National Guard Activated in Washington, Oregon, and Nevada Over Election-Related Unrest Concerns
National Guard troops have been activated across Washington, Oregon, and Nevada to assist local law enforcement in case of election-related disturbances. Measures include enhanced… pic.twitter.com/nxeM2geCSh
— Kristy Tallman (@KristyTallman) November 3, 2024
The decision to activate the National Guard follows historical precedents and aims to avoid issues that occurred in past elections. Recent vandalism of ballot boxes in Portland and Vancouver also prompted these measures. Governors from several western states, including Nevada, have similarly activated Guard members as a precautionary measure. These actions highlight a regional focus on safeguarding public health, safety, and the electoral process.
“We stand together today to demonstrate these commitments and ensure the community knows that we are united in our efforts and our expectations.” – Mayor Ted Wheeler
Portland is preparing for potential protests, with police planning strategies for managing possible unrest. Portland police have canceled planned time off during election week to ensure adequate staffing. Businesses in Portland are taking precautionary measures, such as boarding up windows, in anticipation of potential riots post-election. These actions are part of a unified command effort to address various scenarios of civil unrest.
