Bay Area police and sheriff’s officials were preparing for any unrest that may happen during voting Tuesday or after election results are announced later in the week.
Protests followed the 2016 election in Oakland, with thousands of marchers taking to the streets. Some clashed with police after dark, with reports of objects thrown and buildings vandalized.
San Jose police said on the social media platform X that while officers would not be present at polling locations, officials were coordinating with the Registrar of Voters to make sure the voting environment is safe. Police can respond swiftly if necessary, authorities said.
Oakland police said in an email to the Bay Area News Group that they are providing extra staffing to facilitate any peaceful gatherings and address any crime-related incidents. They also said that they are working with other law enforcement partners in case a regional response is needed.
Oakland authorities also advised people to plan their routes to any events or gatherings ahead of time, contact police if they see any unusual or suspicious activity and engage with others peacefully and respectfully.
“Our officers will be present throughout the evening to support and protect our community,” a spokesperson said.
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office will have “roving security teams of deputies” collecting ballots from secure ballot boxes and providing security for volunteers collecting ballots, a spokesperson said Monday. They will also be delivering secured bags of ballots to the Registrar of Voters.
“When community members see our deputies, they express confidence in using the ballot boxes, knowing the Sheriff’s Office is ensuring their votes reach the ROV,” the sheriff’s office said.
According to a statement by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, officials there implemented several measures to ensure election security, including increasing the number of deputies patrolling polling places and collaborating with federal agencies and local election staff to make sure the security measures don’t interfere with the voting process.
