Washington, Nevada, and Oregon Prepare for Potential Election Unrest
Written by: Sam Orlando
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON — In a bold precautionary move, three states—Washington, Nevada, and Oregon—have activated their National Guards to support law enforcement and ensure election security as the nation heads into the 2024 general election. This proactive step reflects a heightened concern over potential unrest, following recent incidents and ongoing threats to election infrastructure.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s decision to mobilize Guard personnel comes just days after a fire, set deliberately, damaged hundreds of ballots in a Vancouver ballot drop box. Inslee cited the incident as part of his rationale for calling on the Guard. “The southwest region of Washington state has already experienced specific instances of election-related unrest. On October 28, 2024, an incendiary device was set off in a drop box in Vancouver, Washington, damaging or destroying hundreds of ballots,” Inslee stated in his proclamation. He stressed the need for preparation to counter “any potential additional civil unrest…leading up to, on, and potentially extending beyond November 5, 2024.”