Attorney Generals Call For Peaceful Reactions For Election Outcome
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) issued a joint statement expressing that regardless of the outcome of the election on Tuesday, they hope Americans can respond peacefully and condemn any violence related to the election results.
Fifty-one attorneys general from 47 states and several independent jurisdictions stated that a peaceful transfer of power is the ultimate testament to the rule of law, a tradition that is central to the stability of the United States. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles we serve.
These attorneys general also wrote: We call upon every American to vote, participate in civil discourse and, above all, respect the integrity of the democratic process. Let us come together after this election not divided by outcomes but united in our shared commitment to the rule of law and safety of all Americans. Violence has no place in the democratic process; we will exercise our authority to enforce the law against any illegal acts that threaten it.
Since the 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection, concerns about election-related riots have persisted among Americans. According to a survey conducted last month by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, many American voters are worried about violent attempts to overturn the election results on November 5th.
Among them, 41% of registered American voters are extremely or very concerned about violent incidents attempting to overturn the election results following the presidential election, and 35% of voters somewhat worry about such incidents.
Furthermore, about four in ten American voters are concerned that someone will attempt to overturn the election results through legal means; about one-third also expressed that they are extremely or very concerned about local or state election officials attempting to prevent the final vote count in their jurisdictions.
Several officials, including Biden, have warned that Trump could incite election-related violence again, which is not an empty talk.
Although Trump is not the incumbent president, meaning he cannot command national power, he could still encourage supporters to create chaos during the counting and certification process in an attempt to contest the results.
Many voters believe that if Trump loses, he will not concede. Trump has also repeatedly stated recently that if the election process is rigged, he will lose the election again.
On the Democratic side, Harris has promised to concede if the election does not go her way. However, Trump believes that the Democrats will not peacefully transfer power, and he suggests that the U.S. should consider using the military to deal with so-called internal enemies if encountered on Election Day.
At the same time, in response to potential political unrest in the coming days, the U.S. Secret Service has set up new security fences around the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and Vice President Harris's official residence in Washington.
The National Guard and local law enforcement agencies in several states have been on alert or standby in recent days to respond to violent activities dissatisfied with the election results.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that considering what happened in 2021, and the actions that many extreme MAGA individuals might take, it is very necessary for U.S. security professionals to organize and put in place preventive measures.