Washington state activates National Guard in case of election violence


  • World
  • Saturday, 02 Nov 2024

FILE PHOTO: Washington Governor Jay Inslee looks out the window of a Washington State Patrol plane while traveling across the state, U.S., September 18, 2024. REUTERS/Matt Mills McKnight/File Photo

(Reuters) - The governor of Washington state on Friday said he was activating some members of the National Guard to be on stand-by after information and concerns regarding potential violence related to the 2024 election.

The state, where Democrat Kamala Harris is easily expected to defeat Republican Donald Trump according to polling, was one of two where ballot boxes were set on fire earlier in the week.

Early voting is available to those in Washington and more than 2 million have already cast their ballots, according to the Election Lab at the University of Florida.

"Based upon general and specific information and concerns regarding the potential for violence or other unlawful activity related to the 2024 general election, I want to ensure we are fully prepared to respond," Governor Jay Inslee wrote in a letter published on his website on Friday.

Hundreds of ballots were damaged or destroyed by the use of the incendiary device in the drop box in the city of Vancouver, according to Inslee.

(Reporting by Costas Pitas; Editing by Sandra Maler)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Pakistan train hijack hostages end ordeal with arrival in Quetta
Duterte takes responsibility for Philippines drug war, anticipates long ICC battle
US Justice Department investigating New York migrant hotels, reports say
South Korea charges air force pilots with criminal negligence in accidental bombing of village
At US request, India arrests crypto administrator accused of money laundering
Russia lays out demands for talks with US on Ukraine, sources say
NASA, SpaceX delay flight that was to retrieve stuck astronauts
Int'l amber, jewelry fair showcases Baltic amber
Mark Carney to be sworn in as Canada's prime minister on Friday
U.S. stocks close mixed as weak CPI growth eases concerns

Others Also Read