Washington state activates National Guard in case of election violence

The governor of Washington state announced on November 1 that he is activating certain members of the National Guard to be on standby due to information and concerns about potential violence related to the 2024 election.

Washington, where polls indicate that Democrat Kamala Harris is likely to defeat Republican Donald Trump, was one of two states where ballot boxes were set on fire earlier this week, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Early voting is underway in Washington, with over 2 million ballots already cast, 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.

Inslee also noted that hundreds of ballots were damaged or destroyed due to an incendiary device used on a drop box in the city of Vancouver.

Regular presidential elections in the United States are scheduled for November 5. The Republican Party will be represented by former President Donald Trump, while the Democratic Party will be represented by Kamala Harris, the current Vice President.

By Vafa Guliyeva