WASHINGTON—Cities across the United States have seen buildings boarded up as voters prepare to cast their ballots in a highly contentious election.

On the weekend before the Nov. 5 election, buildings near the White House could be seen with wooden boards placed over their exteriors—including on a McDonald’s, Peet’s Coffee, and U.S. Post Office location.

Similar scenes have been reported in Portland, Boston, San Francisco, and New York City, serving as visible signs of caution as state and local governments discussed potential unrest.

CVS, whose drug store in Boston was boarded up, told The Epoch Times that the company and store leaders are ready to take any additional steps as needed.

“We’re closely monitoring the situation in each of our markets as we approach the election and will implement additional security measures if needed,” Amy Thibault, lead director of external communications, told The Epoch Times. “Our local leaders are empowered to take steps to best support the safety of our employees, customers and stores.”

Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, said at an Oct. 29 news conference that her department has been working with other local and federal agencies to take proactive measures and increase presence.

“We will not tolerate any violence of any kind,” Smith said. “We will not tolerate any riots. We will not tolerate the destruction of property. We will not tolerate any unlawful behavior. Offenders will be arrested and held accountable.”

She said no credible threats to the city have been identified and that there is “no need for any alarm.”

Blocks away from the White House, District of Columbia businesses board up storefronts before Election Day in Washington on Nov. 3, 2024. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

The U.S. Postal Office blocks away from the White House. Multiple District of Columbia businesses board up storefronts before Election Day in Washington on Nov. 3, 2024. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

The city erupted in protests and property destruction on the day of President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2017. Riots rocked the city in the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020 as well, followed by individuals storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

On Oct. 30, multiple nationwide law enforcement associations issued a statement that they stood “ready and united to ensure that Election Day 2024 is secure, safe, and fair.”

“The associations have been in preparation for this year’s election for over a year and a half,” the statement read. “Our members have participated in tabletop exercises, received briefings from federal, state, and local partners, shared intelligence and threat information, held conversations with election officials, elected officials, and election volunteers, and coordinated with advocacy groups working to secure the election process.”

Blocks away from the White House, District of Columbia businesses board up storefronts before Election Day in Washington on Nov. 3, 2024. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

Blocks away from the White House, District of Columbia businesses board up storefronts before Election Day in Washington on Nov. 3, 2024. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

On the West Coast, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, has activated members of the National Guard in anticipation of potential unrest.

“Based upon general and specific information and concerns regarding the potential for violence or other unlawful activity related to the 2024 general election, I want to ensure we are fully prepared to respond to any potential additional civil unrest of the type described in RCW 38.08.040 occurring within Washington State leading up to, on, and potentially extending beyond November 5, 2024,” Inslee said on Nov. 1.

RCW 38.08.040 is a section of state law that allows the governor to use the state’s organized militia in the event of “war, insurrection, rebellion, invasion, tumult, riot, mob,” and other attempts to commit violence.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, similarly said on Oct. 28 that he “decided that a precautionary activation of the National Guard makes sense at this time.”

“As a first responder, I know first-hand the importance of being prepared, and this decision reflects my commitment to safety and preparedness on Election Day. ”