(WDNews) — As Election Day approaches, the National Guard is on standby in Washington and Oregon to help prevent potential civil unrest, following recent instances of ballot box fires in both states. The decision comes after fires damaged or destroyed hundreds of ballots in ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, with a third fire reported earlier in October.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced the precautionary move, citing “specific instances of election-related unrest” already affecting the region. Inslee did not disclose the exact number of troops on standby but confirmed they will be available from Monday through Thursday to assist law enforcement.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has flagged a heightened risk to “election infrastructure” in the coming days. Portland’s unified command, including local police, also plans to increase staffing to ensure public safety during the election period. Meanwhile, Portland police have released a physical description of a suspect in the ballot box fires but have not yet made any identifications.
