Maybe it’s because some people believe January 6th could recur or because they just know the nature of humanity. However, one side will be unhappy following this election. Businesses in DC are fortifying their properties in preparation for potential customers on Election Night. This mimics a nation on edge about the outcome of the 2024 elections. As a sign for the Republicans, early voting patterns show increased turnout.
Businesses Prepare for Unrest.
Businesses in Washington, D.C. are boarding up storefronts in preparation for potential unrest on election night. Many people have been reminded of the need to take similar precautions during civil unrest in 2020.
According to Andrew Leyden, a freelance photographer, the White House area, which includes a Post Office and a McDonald’s, has not been spared from these security measures. This community-wide response highlights the nation’s elevated political tensions.
The increased security reflects rising concerns as political parties compete for control, with boarding’s occurring just days before the election. The current climate highlights the growing divide, as both the Republican and Democratic parties anticipate large turnouts from their supporters, influencing the political landscape.
Washington, D.C. is preparing for post-election protests regardless of who wins on Tuesday by boarding up businesses near the White House, deploying more officers, and urging residents to say something if they see something. https://t.co/X6daFveWvD
— The New York Sun (@NewYorkSun) November 1, 2024
Political Pulse: Polls and Early Voting
Recent polls provide a glimpse into the electoral battleground, with the Trump campaign gaining traction in key states. According to a Suffolk/USA Today poll, Trump has a slight but significant lead in Michigan, a critical swing state, indicating that his campaign’s message is getting through in key areas.
Early voting data in North Carolina show significant Republican participation, with independents outnumbering Democrats in ballots cast, indicating a competitive advantage in the region.
Quote: “250 million people are not garbage” – Trump
The boarding up of businesses is a physical manifestation of the widespread fear. As electoral dynamics shift and poll margins teeter, the nation keeps a close eye on outcomes that may defy or confirm predictions, with businesses focusing on the short term.
Washington Residents Prepare to Flee the Capital, Fearing Election Unrest https://t.co/4JYHWspJEZ
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) October 29, 2024
Controversial Comments Fuel Campaign
Tensions are exacerbated by political rhetoric, particularly President Biden’s controversial remarks derogating Trump supporters, which have become campaign fodder for Trump’s team. Trump arrived at a Wisconsin rally in a garbage truck, which he claimed was a tribute to President Biden and Vice President Harris, prompting his statement that “250 million people are not garbage.” Such stunts highlight the hostility that exists in today’s political discourse.
“This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden” – Trump
The charged environment of the campaign trail reflects deep-seated divisions, with verbal jabs serving as fodder for candidates eager to rally their supporters. These developments, combined with political leaders’ strategic maneuvers, provide the backdrop for D.C. businesses as they prepare for election night. The country is on the verge of another critical historical moment.
Sources:
- D.C. Boarding Up Buildings, Preparing for Riots on Election Night
- Some downtown DC businesses are boarding up, if elections turn violent
