Vancouver Police Department officers will patrol around ballot boxes today to ensure the safety of voters amid continuing protests following a fatal police shooting Thursday in Hazel Dell.
The city of Vancouver described the patrols as a preventative measure to protect the rights of voters, as well as, the community from potential political violence and property damage.
“Since the recent death of Kevin Peterson, Jr. following an officer-involved shooting involving deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, people have been gathering to demonstrate and express their concerns, as is their First Amendment right. Following a weekend of large gatherings in downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department is continuing to conduct enhanced patrols around authorized ballot boxes within Vancouver through the Nov. 3 voting deadline …” the police department said in a news release on Election Day.
The patrols should deter potential voter intimidation or tampering with ballot boxes, and provide safety for the election officials collecting the ballots, police said.
“This is a city and community where we respect and listen to one another and support our country’s democratic values and the sanctity of the voting box,” Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said. “I encourage everyone to care for our entire community and show kindness and respect to one another regardless of differing views.”
Any incidents of voter intimidation or ballot box tampering should be reported by calling 311.
The city and police department reportedly has been planning for the election week and will have a visible presence throughout Election Day and beyond.
The police and fire departments are working together to monitor possible unrest and are coordinating with regional agency partners to provide response support, if needed.
If demonstrations or civil unrest happen, the police department says it will staff accordingly to respond.
“An historical election is upon us during an already eventful year,” Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain said. “If you choose to exercise your constitutional rights to assemble in public during this period of time, please do so in a safe and peaceful manner. Destruction and violence is not acceptable and serves no good purpose in a place we all call home.”
