Inslee places National Guard troops on standby for election week

OLYMPIA WASHINGTON (KPTV) – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday activated National Guard troops to be on standby in case they are needed during election week, his office announced.

This is a precautionary measure in response to a nationwide warning from the Department of Homeland Security regarding threats to election infrastructure, and recent ballot box arson in Vancouver.

The Guard will be on standby for four days, beginning Monday, November 4, and ending just after midnight on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

“Based on general and specific information, as well as concerns about the potential for violence or other illegal activity related to the 2024 general election, I want to ensure that we are fully prepared to respond to any potential additional civil unrest,” Inslee wrote.

The order expires on November 8.