In the swing state of Arizona, there are fears of violence and unrest ahead of the presidential election, and local police guarding polling stations say they are ready to deploy snipers and drones at a moment’s notice.
Security at polling stations and vote counting centres in many parts of the US is very tight – with barbed wire, iron fences, metal detectors and armed security guards, notes the BBC, drawing parallels with security measures in prisons or airports.
Russ Skinner, the sheriff of Maricopa County, says they have been planning for the election for over a year, discussing various aspects of security, and are ready to deploy snipers and drones if they feel it is necessary.
– Our hope is that it doesn’t arise to a level of need for that. But we will be prepared to ensure that we meet the level of need, to ensure the safety and security of that building, he says.
“It’s sad”
The reason for double fencing and security cameras at the counting centres, as well as armed guards, is to prevent vote counters from being threatened, harassed or subjected to violence.
– I think it is sad that we’re having to do these things, said Republican Supervisor Bill Gates, who himself was threatened during the last election.
– I do want people to understand that when they go to vote centres, these are not militarised zones. You can feel safe to go there with your family, with your kids and participate in democracy, he says.
Sheriff Skinner admits that his team “may be over prepared” but that he “but I’d rather prepare for the worst and hope for the best”.
Expecting violence
Many Republicans also say that the 2020 election, with allegations of widespread Democratic voter fraud and irregularities, has made them more engaged in this election and led them to sign up to monitor polling stations and vote counts to ensure that the results are not manipulated.
– I still think it was rigged. It’s very hard to trust anyone today, says Maleesa Meyers, who voted for Trump in the last election.
The 2024 election, like the 2020 presidential election, is highly polarised in the US, and there is widespread concern that shootings, bombings, and large-scale and highly violent riots could hit many US cities.
According to some US polls, the picture is much bleaker, and it is reported that many Americans do not rule out the possibility of civil war in the near future.
