OLYMPIA, Wash. — Ahead of Election Day, Gov. Jay Inslee is activating the Washington National Guard to be on standby as a precautionary measure.
This comes in the wake of two ballot box arsons in Portland and Vancouver, Washington. The late-October incidents destroyed hundreds of ballots and officials are still searching for a suspect.
Inslee said some members of the state’s National Guard will support local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol, though the number of members who will be activated is to be determined.
The Department of Homeland Security has also warned of possible political violence and other potential threats to election infrastructure just days ahead of the 2024 General Election.
National Guard members will be on standby from Monday through Thursday night.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
