An Arizona sheriff has put his department on high alert, with drones and snipers on standby, in preparation for potential election-related violence. National Guard troops have been or will be activated in 19 states to help maintain order during and after Election Day.
With the U.S. presidential election approaching, tensions are high as Americans head to the polls to choose between Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Authorities are concerned about political violence and have implemented various security measures, particularly in battleground states that could decide the outcome.
In Nevada, where protests by Trump supporters erupted after the 2020 election, a security fence now surrounds the Las Vegas vote tabulation centre. A similar fence has been erected in Maricopa County, Arizona, where the 2020 election sparked conspiracy theories and threats against election officials. Sheriff Russ Skinner of Maricopa County said his department will be on “high alert” for threats, with deputies ready to monitor polling places using drones and respond with snipers if needed. He emphasised zero tolerance for criminal activity, especially in the volatile days following the election.
In light of potential unrest, several Arizona schools and churches, previously used as polling stations, will not serve in that capacity this year. To address the gap, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) has provided alternative locations, and a group of community leaders, including faith-based groups, has formed a committee to combat political violence by promoting factual information.
In Michigan, where Trump supporters caused a stir in Detroit in 2020, heightened security measures are in place this year. Police officers are patrolling the area, and metal detectors have been set up to screen visitors. Daniel Baxter, Detroit’s chief operating officer for absentee voting, confirmed that the early processing of ballots has been peaceful so far.
Experts are concerned that if Trump loses and refuses to concede, unrest could spread across multiple locations, posing significant challenges for law enforcement. The precautions are not limited to battleground states, with authorities in Oregon and Washington activating the National Guard and boarding up windows in Washington, DC, and other cities.
In Las Vegas, voter Faviola Garibay noted the heavy security around the Clark County tabulation centre and expressed confidence in the safety measures. “The fencing, the presence of police here, it seems secure,” she said. “I feel safe voting.”