For the first time in Washington history, the National Guard has been authorized in preparation for the General Election.
With the recent cases of ballot box arson, along with the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and multiple instances of vandalized campaign signs, some are feeling uneasy about what’s to come.
“I’m a little nervous,” said Sal Torgerson, who cast her vote on Monday.
“I think, no matter what happens, people are going to be upset, but if the last election is any indication of how it would go…,” she said.
The last time the Washington National Guard was involved in an election was during the January 6 insurrection.
Governor Jay Inslee authorized the Washington National Guard to be on standby tomorrow as a precautionary measure.
The Washington State Military Department said that essentially means the National Guard is prepared to assist local law enforcement and Washington State Patrol with any potential civil unrest, if needed.
Both the Coeur d’Alene Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said they have plans in place for any emergency situations, but that at this time, there is no evidence suggesting anything will happen.
Blair Mason is concerned about the ballot box arson, but said he is not worried that anything drastic will happen.
“There might be a few people here and there, but I’m not worried about it,” he said. “I think it’s good to have safety measures in place, but I don’t think anything is going to be like that.”
Torgerson is hoping everyone keeps the peace, no matter the election outcomes.
“I just hope everyone just keeps their cool, because, no matter what happens, not everyone’s going to be happy. And we just need to remember that that’s just the way it is,” she said.
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