Governor Jay Inslee of Washington has activated the state’s National Guard to be on standby in response to recent ballot box arson incidents in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.
These late-October attacks destroyed hundreds of ballots, with authorities still searching for the suspect.
Inslee’s move aims to bolster security and support local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol as Election Day approaches.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued warnings about potential political violence and threats to election infrastructure, heightening concerns.
The National Guard will remain on standby from Monday through Thursday night, ensuring readiness for any issues that may arise before or on Election Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 5.