Selangor Journal
Voters line up at a polling station to vote in the 2020 US presidential election in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, November 3, 2020. — Picture by REUTERS

US: Cities, businesses brace for post-election violence

ANKARA, Nov 4 — Many cities and businesses in the US have braced for potential violence and chaos on Tuesday and beyond as long-awaited elections bring both high stakes and charged emotions.

According to a report by Anadolu Agency (AA), although some 100 million Americans have taken advantage of early mail-in voting, more than 50 million are still expected to cast their ballots in person on Election Day, a significant increase from the 139 million who cast ballots in 2016. 

But the looming threat of election-related violence in US cities and streets led many business owners to board up windows and shut their stores. 

It said in Florida, some stores including Macy’s, Target, and CVS were boarded up in Miami’s upscale Design District as major retailers across the country have intensified security measures to prevent any damages to their stores in the potential post-election violence. Similar measures were seen in Washington DC. 

“The stakes are high for this election and the national mood appears dark,” the Brookings Institution said in a report on October 27.

“Violence could manifest in ways big and small. Local extremists might seek to ‘defend’ a polling place and, in so doing, intimidate voters form another party,” the think tank added.

Possibility that election results could be delayed, or contested, have businesses and homeowners worried that commercial and residential properties may see some damage if case of riots. AA’s report added.

Democrats have pointed to statements by US President Donald Trump that seem to welcome, encourage, and foreshadow violence if he fails to win or the result is less than clear cut.

In several statements, Trump hinted that he will commit to a peaceful transfer of power only if the elections are far from ”fraud.” On the Election Day, Trump told Fox News that he will declare victory only when there is a victory. 

The US states of Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania are seen as swing states in the race between Trump and his Democratic contender Joe Biden. 

Some other states, such as Minnesota, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Texas, could bring surprises to election observers.

In major cities, local police departments have also notified the public there might be street closures due to scheduled rallies and protests on Tuesday and Wednesday, when organisers have promised “count every vote” demonstrations.

 

— Bernama

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