Security ramped up as voters head to polls

Federal and state officials have increased security measures at polling stations for voters and election workers nationwide for the 2024 presidential election.

The US Justice Department said it was monitoring threats ahead of Election Day.

At least 40 percent of election workers said they have faced a growing number of threats, abuse and even harassment, the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law found.

"As we approach Election Day, the Justice Department's warning remains clear: Anyone who illegally threatens an election worker, official, or volunteer will face the consequences," US Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

"The fact that election workers need to be worried about their security is incomprehensible and unacceptable," Christopher Wray, FBI director, said in a statement.

The federal government erected security fences at key locations in Washington, DC, on Sunday, including the White House, the US Capitol and the Naval Observatory grounds, where the vice-president's residence is.

No threats to the Capitol have been reported, the FBI said.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said that her office has been preparing for months to heighten security for Election Day. Many of the new safety precautions will stay in place until the presidential inauguration in January.

In New York City, Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James announced efforts to protect voting rights, stop misinformation and boost public safety. James launched a hotline for voting problems.

"My office has been preparing for months for a safe and smooth election process," James said in a statement.

A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams' office directed China Daily's interview request to the New York Police Department, as being in charge of overall security. The NYPD did not respond for comment.

But a deputy sheriff sergeant with more than 20 years of experience with the New York City sheriff's office, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told China Daily: "We will have cops stationed outside all New York City polling stations on Election Day. There are some there now. More will come later."

In California, the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California has been working with local and federal officials to ensure Election Day is safe. FBI special agents will be on hand at field offices on Election Day.

Bulletproof glass and steel doors have been installed at hundreds of election offices nationwide.

More security will also be put in place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida.

The National Guard is on standby in numerous states for Election Day on Tuesday, including Washington state and Oregon, to prepare for possible civil unrest.

Clark County election officials in Washington are working to identify voters affected by the Vancouver fire; around 475 damaged ballots were recovered, and voters affected are being notified so they can submit replacement ballots.

Agencies contributed to this story.