November 4, 2024
With Election Day just hours away, cities across the United States, including Washington, D.C., and Portland, are preparing for possible unrest as Americans cast their votes in a fiercely contested race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. In D.C., businesses and iconic landmarks are bracing for potential turmoil, boarding up storefronts and fortifying buildings. Meanwhile, Portland, still recovering from the impact of previous protests and unrest, is taking similar measures as the nation awaits what could be days of post-election tension.
In Washington, businesses like McDonald’s and Peet’s Coffee have already boarded up their windows, anticipating potential unrest as the country awaits election results. The race remains neck-and-neck, with both Harris and Trump making last-ditch appeals to sway undecided voters. Harris even made a light-hearted appearance on “Saturday Night Live” this past weekend, alongside comedian Maya Rudolph, in an effort to reach a broader audience before the polls close.
Howard University, Vice President Harris’s alma mater and one of the most prominent historically Black colleges in the country, has also erected fences around its campus. Harris is expected to spend election night at Howard, which has added heightened security measures in anticipation of the charged atmosphere surrounding this election. As Election Day nears, concerns about potential unrest have prompted increased safety precautions around D.C., especially near high-profile sites and government buildings.
In a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump addressed his supporters with his typical fiery rhetoric, calling attention to the risks and uncertainties surrounding this election. Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, could play a decisive role in the outcome, and the stakes are high for both parties.
Meanwhile, in Portland, residents and business owners are wary of the potential for renewed unrest. The city is still working to repair the social and economic scars left by previous protests, including those following the death of George Floyd in 2020. Protests against police brutality and counter-demonstrations from various groups led to prolonged clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, significantly impacting Portland’s economy and sense of safety. Businesses, some still struggling to recover from those turbulent periods, are taking proactive steps by boarding up windows, much like their counterparts in D.C., and preparing for any potential disruptions.
Portland’s reputation as a hotspot for both Black Lives Matter protests and clashes with Antifa has only heightened concerns. Many city residents feel that the unresolved tensions from those demonstrations could spill over during the election aftermath, especially if results are delayed. In 2020, it took days to declare a winner, and as such, law enforcement and local officials in Portland are preparing for a similarly extended period of tension.
This year, election results may once again take days to finalize, depending on the closeness of the race and the time needed to count absentee ballots. Cities like Washington, D.C., and Portland are aware of the possibility of drawn-out unrest, and local officials are urging residents to remain calm and exercise their right to vote peacefully.
As the nation waits for the final decision, Americans in these cities are hoping for a smooth process. However, with memories of past demonstrations and unrest, cities nationwide are preparing for any scenario that might unfold in the coming days.
Sources:
- “Businesses in Washington, D.C. Brace for Election Day Unrest,” The Washington Post
- “Portland Still Recovering from 2020 Protests as Election Day Looms,” Portland Mercury
- “Trump and Harris Campaigns Make Final Pushes in Key Swing States,” Associated Press
