Election 2020: Businesses Across US Prepare For Possible Riots, Violence After Polls Close

KEY POINTS

Street-facing properties have boarded up their windows in anticipation of violence on Election Day
Local leaders have begun enforcing additional security protocols
A new study showed armed militia groups may pose a threat to the safety of Americans on Tuesday

Businesses and retailers across the U.S. have started preparing for possible civil unrest and violence on Election Day.

Local leaders and businesses in multiple states have begun boarding up their properties and enforcing additional security protocols just one day before the presidential election. In New York, many stores, including high-end properties on Fifth Avenue, have braced for the possibility of widespread unrest.

In Washington, street-facing businesses located near the White House have covered their storefronts with plywood. Giant companies including AT&T, CVS Pharmacy and Wells Fargo have posted signs telling customers that their retail stores are still operating even though they're boarded up, Fox Business reported.

George Washington University has sent out emails to students encouraging them to stockpile food, medication and other necessities in preparation for Election Day.

This video shows stores being boarded up in Manhattan over the weekend as a precaution for potential protests and unrest following Election Day on November 3 pic.twitter.com/X0I0uPcxTF
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) November 2, 2020

In Los Angeles, merchants also are taking precautions following the riots and vandalism that occurred after the Lakers and Dodgers won championships in the NBA and MLB.

"We're pretty much going to be doing the same thing as every other business down Broadway. We're going to be boarding and trying to see if we can take any other measurements to ensure that nothing happens," Edwin Juarez, owner of a wine and spirits store, told KTTV.

The Los Angeles Police Department said they are fully prepared to address potential unrest and violence that may follow the presidential election.

Three out of every four voters have expressed concerns about the possibility of a tumultuous election on Tuesday, the USA Today/Suffolk University poll found. Meanwhile, only one in four say they believe there will be a peaceful transfer of power should former Vice President Joe Biden win.

A study by the Armed Conflict Location, Event Data Project and MilitiaWatch showed that at least 80 militia groups may pose a threat to Americans' safety in multiple states, including Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California and New Mexico.

The report also found that a vast majority of the militias are armed right-wing groups. It listed several active far-right militias, including the Three Percenters, the Light Foot Militia, the Proud Boys, the Boogaloo Boise, and Patriot Prayer.