WASHINGTON, USA: The 2024 U.S. presidential election has prompted an unprecedented level of security and planning nationwide due to heightened concerns over possible unrest, election tampering, or violence toward election workers, the US press reported.
With Kamala Harris and Donald Trump locked in a tight race, officials across multiple states are taking comprehensive measures to ensure both election integrity and public safety.
According to AFP, in preparation for Election Day, several states—including Oregon, Washington, and Nevada—have activated National Guard units. Nationwide, over 600 National Guard personnel are on standby to address any disturbances. Additionally, the FBI has established a 24-hour national election command center in Washington, D.C., where agents will monitor threats throughout the week.
Physical security measures have increased at polling stations across the country. Panic buttons, a recent addition for some election workers, are being deployed by companies like Runbeck Election Services to ensure workers can quickly alert authorities if needed. In Arizona, a swing state with a history of election-related tension, Maricopa County’s main ballot-counting center is now equipped with barbed wire, armed guards, and rooftop SWAT teams to prevent unauthorized access and maintain order.
Officials in critical swing states are also working to reassure voters of election security. Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger emphasized that the state’s systems are secure, asserting that voting will remain both accessible and protected. Other states like Pennsylvania have bolstered their election infrastructure with additional cybersecurity measures and partnerships with law enforcement, although details remain largely confidential.
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Meanwhile, cybersecurity threats, particularly from foreign actors, have raised additional concerns. Agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have warned about disinformation campaigns by Russia, China, and Iran aimed at undermining trust in the electoral process and inciting domestic polarization. To counteract these efforts, officials have fortified digital defenses and are actively working to combat disinformation, which poses both digital and physical risks to election personnel.In Washington, D.C., additional fencing has been erected around key buildings like the White House and vice president’s residence, with increased police presence and other precautions in place. Authorities have signaled a zero-tolerance approach toward any form of violence or disruption, emphasizing that any delays in vote counting are expected and planned for.
The measures reflect a commitment from officials to secure a peaceful election process while prioritizing transparency, safety, and trust. The layered approach in preparation, combining physical security, rapid response teams, and cybersecurity measures, underscores a serious response to the heightened political atmosphere and concerns from both voters and officials.
