U.S. Shields Polling Stations from Possible Political Violence on Election Tuesday
Voters participate in early voting at Fulton County’s C.T. Martin Natatorium advance voting polling location in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 31 October 2024. Early voting in Georgia ends 01 November 2024 for the US General Election Day on 05 November 2024. Photo: EFE/EPA/ERIK S. LESSER
November 3, 2024 Hour: 2:56 pm
After one of the most violent campaigns in U.S. history, all 50 states are reinforcing polling places to ensure that the elections on November 5th take place safely and to protect the physical integrity of election officials and voters from potential incidents of violence.
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A recent Scripps News/Ipsos poll, released on October 24, reveals that 62% of Americans believe election-related violence is “somewhat” or “very” likely, with majorities of both Republicans (59%) and Democrats (70%) sharing this concern.
An extensive security system will be implemented to ensure the proper conduct of the election day, including drones, snipers and protective equipment. In addition, the Department of Justice will send observers to 86 jurisdictions in 27 states, marking the largest presence of federal observers in election history. This is to ensure that all citizens can exercise their right to vote without any problems.
According to the network Fox News police of the Capitol, aware an assault like the June 6th could happen again, carried out a few days ago a simulation evacuation in which 12 helicopters participated.
To prevent violent protests, such as those that occurred in 202 against the election offices, states, especially the most contested ones, have allocated millions of dollars to local governments to strengthen security. An example is Maricopa, the largest county in Arizona, which after Trump’s false claims of his victory in the previous election, experienced demonstrations in its electoral offices.
In other counties, polling stations will be protected by bullet-proof vests and a panic button attached to the emergency number will be worn around their necks.
One of the main objectives of this coordination between local forces and officials has focused on training them for potential scenarios. Drills for shootings have been conducted, and they have learned how to barricade themselves and use tourniquets to know how to act in case of a violent incident.
In addition, the Committee for Safe Elections, a group of electoral administration experts that has created pocket guides with key points of each state’s election laws, adapted to local legislation, to speed up the action of those who will ensure security in elections against possible threats or attempts at intimidation.
Autor: ACJ
Fuente: Huffpost // EFE
