Washington National Guard activated ahead of election security concerns

Precautionary measure comes after US Dept of Homeland Security issues warnings on threats to election infrastructure

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has activated members of the National Guard to assist local law enforcement in response to potential election-related unrest as the state approaches Election Day.

This precautionary measure comes after the US Department of Homeland Security issued warnings about threats to election infrastructure, particularly following an incident where a ballot drop box in Vancouver was intentionally set on fire, damaging hundreds of ballots.

In a letter to Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general of the Washington National Guard, Inslee emphasized the need for readiness to address any civil unrest or violence.

“Our state depends on these skilled individuals for critical support to protect public health, safety, and welfare, especially regarding the integrity of our elections,” he stated.

The governor’s office indicated that the activation will ensure that enough personnel are available to respond quickly, with members on standby from Monday until shortly after midnight on November 7.

Maj. Gen. Welsh oversees approximately 8,000 soldiers and airmen in the National Guard and will determine the specific number of troops activated.

Early voting is already underway in Washington, with over two million ballots cast so far.

Despite expectations of a relatively smooth electoral process, the recent fire incident has heightened concerns about election security and the possibility of unrest in the lead-up to the November 5 election.

In related developments, courts in key battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Georgia, have been making significant rulings concerning voting rights and ballot counting procedures.

With the presidential election projected to be closely contested, the landscape of election litigation has intensified.

In Pennsylvania, the state Supreme Court ruled that voters whose mail-in ballots are disqualified can still cast provisional ballots to ensure their votes are counted.

This decision is particularly important given the high number of mail-in ballot requests—over 1.7 million—across the state. The court’s ruling underscores the importance of allowing voters a chance to participate, even if their initial ballot is deemed invalid.

In Nevada, a recent Supreme Court ruling affirmed that mail ballots received without a postmark can still be counted, as long as they are received by the election deadline.

This decision reflects a broader intent to expand voting rights rather than restrict them.

Meanwhile, in Georgia, the state’s election board has faced criticism for adopting controversial rule changes that could complicate the certification of election results.

These changes have spurred multiple lawsuits, prompting judges to block certain rules until after the election.

As the election approaches, there are ongoing concerns about the potential for election officials to resist certifying results based on unfounded claims of fraud.

However, legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure that election processes are followed and that results are certified as required.

With the National Guard on standby and critical rulings shaping the election landscape, officials in Washington and across the nation are preparing for a contentious and high-stakes election period.