Washington state activates National Guard in case of election violence

FILE PHOTO: Washington Governor Jay Inslee looks out the window of a Washington State Patrol plane while traveling across the state, U.S., September 18, 2024. REUTERS/Matt Mills McKnight/File Photo

(Reuters) - The governor of Washington state on Friday said he was activating some members of the National Guard to be on stand-by after information and concerns regarding potential violence related to the 2024 election.

The state, where Democrat Kamala Harris is easily expected to defeat Republican Donald Trump according to polling, was one of two where ballot boxes were set on fire earlier in the week.