Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced the activation of some National Guard members on Friday, following concerns about potential violence surrounding the 2024 election.
His decision comes after incidents earlier this week where ballot boxes were set on fire, including an incendiary attack in Vancouver that destroyed hundreds of ballots.
Governor Inslee shared a public letter detailing the precaution, citing “general and specific information and concerns regarding the potential for violence or other unlawful activity” tied to the election.
He said the move is to ensure that officials are “fully prepared to respond” to any disruptive actions as over two million Washington residents have already voted, according to data from the University of Florida’s Election Lab.
Washington is widely expected to favour Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris over Republican candidate Donald Trump, according to polls, yet recent threats have spurred the governor to heighten security to protect the integrity of the electoral process in the state.
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