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.”
The activation of Guard units in Washington is a “purely precautionary measure,” aimed at supporting local authorities in maintaining a secure voting environment. Inslee emphasized that “our state depends on these skilled individuals for critical support to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to include support necessary to protect vital infrastructure related to carrying out free and fair elections.” The deployment will focus on assisting local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol if unrest arises.
In Nevada, Governor Joe Lombardo placed 60 National Guard troops on standby across Carson City and Las Vegas, available to reinforce police and coordinate emergency communication on Election Day. Lombardo emphasized that the move “mirrors the state’s routine preparation for past elections” and reflects Nevada’s commitment to “a safe and smooth Election Day.”
Oregon has similarly ramped up its preparations by putting Guard personnel on standby, with state and city officials coordinating to safeguard polling locations. Portland, which has seen tensions rise in previous elections, has increased police staffing as well, with Oregon’s emergency management system prepared to respond swiftly if disruptions occur. Governor Tina Kotek’s office issued a statement saying the Guard’s activation is intended to “ensure Oregon voters can safely cast their ballot.”
Guard's Role: Supporting Election Integrity Amid Real Threats
The National Guard’s presence will be primarily supportive, helping law enforcement with traffic control, monitoring election facilities, and providing quick response capabilities if necessary. Inslee’s proclamation further highlighted the urgency of this deployment, noting that “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.”
The mobilization in Washington will begin Monday and continue through early Thursday morning, November 7. Inslee clarified the intent behind this action: “I find that such preparation, and this activation of the Washington National Guard, is required now for the protection of the public health, safety, or welfare of Washington State agencies and the people they serve.”
A National Trend in Election Preparedness
Activating the National Guard for election support is not unprecedented in recent years, but the 2024 deployments in Washington, Nevada, and Oregon mark a notable response to specific, documented threats. Inslee’s reliance on Guard personnel reflects a broader national trend to proactively address physical and digital threats to elections.
In all three states, officials emphasize that these measures aim to prevent disruptions and reassure voters of a safe, accessible electoral process. For Washington, Oregon, and Nevada, deploying the National Guard stands as a clear message of readiness: the integrity of the election—and the peace of the voting environment—will be protected. However to some critics, the militarization of American elections may lead to voter intimidation.
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