With Election Day around the corner, CNN reports that National Guard troops are on standby in multiple states, including Washington and Oregon, to address potential civil unrest. Concerns have grown after ballot drop boxes were deliberately set ablaze, causing damage to hundreds of ballots. Most of the destruction occurred in Vancouver, Washington, with a similar but less severe incident in Portland, Oregon. Authorities believe these attacks are linked to a third ballot box fire earlier in October in Vancouver. Portland police have released a description of a suspect, but they have yet to make an identification.
In response, Washington Governor Jay Inslee placed the National Guard on standby, citing “election-related unrest” in southwest Washington. Inslee has not disclosed the number of troops but emphasized that they’ll be ready to assist law enforcement if needed. The Department of Homeland Security has also heightened concerns, warning about potential risks to election infrastructure.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has made similar preparations, coordinating with state, local, and federal agencies to maintain order and voter safety. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler acknowledged that, while there’s no immediate threat, “uncertainty and tension” in the community has led Portland’s unified command to increase police staffing on Election Day as a safeguard.
Oregon’s proactive measures mirror those from 2020, when former Governor Kate Brown mobilized the National Guard around Election Day to manage any protests or disruptions.
National Guard units in other states have also been activated, primarily for election cybersecurity. Colorado’s National Guard Cyber Task Force, active since 2018, is prepared to guard election systems. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo recently announced 60 National Guard troops on standby as part of routine security planning, ensuring resources are available for any unforeseen challenges.
In Washington, D.C., authorities are bolstering Election Day security, with 3,000 officers set to work extended shifts. Following the January 6 Capitol events, law enforcement nationwide is taking a proactive stance on election security. Three major law enforcement associations recently called on citizens to report any suspicious activity surrounding election events, underscoring the importance of vigilance.
As Oregon and other states prepare for Election Day, heightened security measures are in place to ensure all citizens can safely participate in the democratic process.
In response, Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced that the National Guard will be on standby, highlighting the ballot fires as specific cases of “election-related unrest” in southwest Washington. Though Inslee hasn’t specified the number of troops, they are ready to support local law enforcement from Monday through Thursday if necessary. The Department of Homeland Security has also noted that the risk to election infrastructure remains high.
In Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek stated that the National Guard is similarly prepared to respond to any disruptions. Her office, working with local, state, and federal agencies, is ensuring that Oregonians can safely cast their ballots. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler added that although no immediate signs of unrest have emerged, “there is a lot of uncertainty and tension” surrounding the election, leading the city’s unified command to increase police staffing on Election Day as a precaution.
Portland’s approach to election security recalls measures taken in 2020 when then-Governor Kate Brown also put the National Guard on standby for 48 hours and activated a unified law enforcement command to handle potential protests.
Across the United States, the National Guard has been deployed in various states to assist with election-related cybersecurity, including Colorado, where a specialized Cyber Task Force has been active since 2018. Nevada has also placed 60 National Guard troops on standby, with Governor Joe Lombardo describing it as a “proactive step” for a safe election process.
In Washington, D.C., the police force is bolstering security measures, with over 3,000 officers working extended shifts to ensure peace on Election Day. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith emphasized the increased security following the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, as authorities seek to prevent any similar incidents. Law enforcement organizations, including the Major County Sheriffs of America and the National Sheriffs’ Association, have prepared for over a year, urging citizens to report any suspicious election activity with the familiar “See Something, Say Something” reminder.
As Oregon and other states brace for the upcoming election, officials and law enforcement remain on high alert, ensuring that citizens can safely participate in this pivotal democratic process.
