Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced on Friday that he has activated the Washington National Guard to assist local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol as needed to address any potential election-related unrest.
This “purely precautionary measure” comes in response to nationwide warnings from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding threats to election infrastructure, as well as a fire that was deliberately set, damaging and destroying hundreds of ballots in a drop box in Vancouver earlier this week.
In a letter to Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general, Inslee stated that the action was taken “to ensure we are fully prepared to respond” to any possible civil unrest or violence.
“Our state depends on these skilled individuals for critical support to protect public health, safety, and welfare, including the protection of vital infrastructure necessary for free and fair elections and the response to any unrest related to the 2024 general election,” Inslee wrote.
Welsh, who oversees the 8,000 soldiers and airmen of the Washington National Guard, will determine how many personnel will be activated and will remain on standby from Monday until just after midnight on Thursday, November 7, according to the governor’s office.
