Washington State, in the north-western United States, is bracing for potential election-related unrest as Governor Jay Inslee places select National Guard units on standby.
The activation, announced on Friday, is a “purely precautionary measure,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.
The decision follows a disturbing incident earlier in the week, in which a ballot drop box in Vancouver, Washington, was set ablaze with incendiary devices, leading to the destruction of hundreds of ballots.
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A similar attack occurred around the same time in Portland, Oregon, heightening concerns of escalating violence in the lead-up to and aftermath of Election Day.
Governor Inslee’s response aligns with a recent advisory from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which issued a nationwide alert on threats to election infrastructure.
As a state-based military reserve, the National Guard, which typically responds to natural disasters and other emergencies, can be mobilised by both state governors and the president.
The National Guard will be on standby across Washington for a four-day period starting Monday, with the operation concluding shortly after midnight on Thursday.
Although Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5, millions of Americans have already cast their votes early.
