Businesses Board Up Ahead of Election Day

As Election Day approaches, businesses in cities like Portland and Washington, D.C. are boarding up in anticipation of potential unrest, reminiscent of previous political protests. In Portland, significant investments have been made by business owners to secure their properties, with concerns stemming from past riots following elections. Meanwhile, in D.C., local officials and law enforcement downplay the need for such precautions, asserting there are no credible threats, though the National Guard has been activated in Washington State. In contrast, Illinois observes Election Day as a state holiday, with public schools closed and certain services suspended, while most businesses remain open. Voters in Illinois are entitled to paid time off to vote, and early voting options are widely available. The juxtaposition of election-related activities across states highlights differing regional responses to potential civil unrest.