You can feel it, can’t you?
Tensions continue to grow as we approach the 2024 U.S. presidential election and most Americans are feeling a mix of anticipation and unease.
Given the divisive political climate and the heated events leading up to and following the last presidential election, there’s a very real risk for more unrest and violence.
Understanding these threats and preparing accordingly can help you protect yourself and your loved ones during these turbulent times.
And half of the battle is know what to look for – and then how to respond.
A recent CFR research project analyzed all political violence data from the past election, combined with intelligence on current activity, to do a deep-dive analysis and here’s a shortened synopsis of their findings…
“Forewarned Is Forearmed” – And The Time To Prepare For Violent Protests & Riots Is NOW!
Here’s A Timeline For The Threats You Should Watch For During The 2024 Election Season…
Essentially, we break the election cycle down into three different phases:
- Pre-Election
- Election Day
- Post-Election
Each phase comes with its own set of challenges and potential threats, so let’s break each phase down so you can see what to watch for…
Pre-Election Tensions: The Slow-Burning Fuse Of Hostility
According to the study, over the past 10 years, more than 500 individuals have been arrested for threatening public officials – and the trendline is shooting up as the pre-election candidates warn their devoted followers of “threats to Democracy” from “the other side”.
What To Look For:
- Assassination Attempts On Public Officials: The recent assassination attempt on former President Trump has been the highest profile attack on a national political candidate in decades – but these attacks aren’t limited to just presidential candidates. Threats against local politicians, judges, and election officials have all increased and always carry the risk of a physical attack – usually by an individual.
- Escalating Personal Threats: The weeks leading up to Election Day are guaranteed to increase the public tension – especially if the voting polls show one candidate gaining any kind of traction over the other. This has the the potential to bring violence right to the front door of local citizens – from local election officials to even neighbors and fellow townsfolk who simply post yard signs, flags, bumper stickers, or wear clothing clearly identifying them as “one of them”. In one recent event, a 22 y.o. man committed suicide after confessing to striking an 80 y.o. man putting up political signs with an ATV that left the man in critical condition.
- High-Profile Events: National conventions and other large political gatherings are potential flashpoints for conflict as the large crowds make them attractive targets for protesters and anyone looking for their “15 minutes of fame” by committing a violent act.
Election Day Aggression: A Critical Juncture
Once the voting begins, every single polling location – from little towns to big cities – has the potential to attract a violent confrontation.
What To Look For:
- Polling Place Intimidation: The act of voting itself has been a major hot point since election integrity has been called into question. Some groups have already been organizing to show up at ballot locations under the self-driven “mission” to protect voters and the election process – while at the same time discouraging turnout of opposing voters.
- GOTV Clashes: It’s typical to see enthusiastic candidate supporters outside ballot locations waving signs and encouraging passersby to cast their vote. While these demonstrations of support have almost always been peaceful, the current escalated tension now runs the risk of violent clashes among the opposing supporters. In addition, political parties have become very organized in mobilizing supporters to “get out the vote” and go door-to-door, asking known voters within their party to cast their ballot… and a knock on the “wrong door” could result in a heated exchange that can lead to a physical attack.
- Threats to Election Workers: Those tasked with counting votes and ensuring the election runs smoothly may face harassment or even direct threats. The pressure on these individuals can be immense, particularly in swing states or tightly contested districts.
Post-Election Fallout: The Aftermath
After the votes are all in and counted, there’s likely to be heated demonstrations contesting the results – regardless of who is declared the winner.
What To Look For:
- Immediate Reactions to Results: The initial response to election results can trigger widespread protests or isolated incidents of violence, particularly if the outcome is disputed. Government buildings, symbols of authority, and public spaces could become focal points for demonstrations, with the potential for massive turnouts that can easily overwhelm the capabilities of local law enforcement.
- Long-Term Civil Unrest: Depending on how the results are perceived, there could be prolonged periods of protests and clashes. Political leaders’ rhetoric in response to the outcomes can either calm tensions or fuel further tension.
From Little Towns To Big Cities, Election Cycle Violence Has Become A Dangerous New Threat The Everyday Citizen Must Prepare For!
Here Are Some Practical Steps For Keeping Yourself And Your Family Safe From Violent Conflicts And Physical Attacks…
While I’m a big supporter of taking part in taking an active role in the political process, I’m a bigger fan of keeping my family protected during a time when we’re already seeing the ripples created by violent political rhetoric and the sowing of distrust in the democratic process.
Put more simply… it’s “nucking futz” out there!
After several years now of growing herds of mewing sheep who will believe anything their self-serving leaders tell them, I’ve completely lost faith in the critical thinking ability of the general public – and in particular, extremists on either side of the political aisle who are prone to violence.
During high-risk periods like we’re experiencing now, it’s up to you and you alone to keep yourself and those you love safe as local law enforcement can quickly become overwhelmed should their be any outbreaks of protests and riots in your area.
What You Can Do:
- Stay Informed, Stay Smart: Follow your local news and updates to stay informed about potential risks in your area. However, balance staying informed with taking breaks from the news to manage the stress and anxiety that media outlets love to cultivate for their own ratings.
- Cast Your Vote Far From High-Risk Locations: The best way to avoid the potential for violence at local polling spots is to simply not be there. Despite conspiracy claims of “election fraud” inherent in mail-in voting, this process has been used since the Civil War and has proven safe and secure with minimal fraud detected on either side of the voting aisle – so use it if you can.
- Have A Personal “Family Defense Plan”: Normally, the risk of violence has been limited to larger urban areas and clashes at public protests. Not anymore. If you don’t already have a plan in place for you and your family, now is the time to consider things like…
- Known and suspected “hot spot” locations to stay away from before, during, and immediately after the election.
- What to do if you’re suddenly face-to-face with a group of protesters blocking your way – whether you’re on foot or in your vehicle.
- How to communicate and where to meet if your family gets separated during a disturbance.
- Your legal responsibilities in defending yourself from armed and unarmed aggressive individuals.
These are just some of the scenarios and risks you need to contend with in a year when we’re already seeing physical attacks and a ramping up of rhetoric for a patriotic “call to arms” to defend what are seen as “threats to democracy”.
You and I both know that you can’t rely on your local politicians and law enforcement to protect you if clashes break out in your area.
of political upheaval and escalating calls for violence
YOU are the “tip of the spear” for you and your family, Warrior – and you need to act, train, and prepare like one.
What Other Precautions Can You And Your Family Take During This Election Cycle To Stay Safe And Protected From The Risk Of Violence And Civil Unrest In Your Area?
Please Share Your Best Tips Below Now…
Note: Bullies suck! Warrior Life is an apolitical organization focused on providing self-reliance and self-protection strategies for everyone – regardless of political persuasion. Everyone has a God-given right to protect themselves and those they love and we pride ourselves on being inclusive of any reader or follower who believes in being self-made, self-reliant, and self-protected. Please respect the rights, freedoms, and opinions of others and do not post any inflammatory or divisive comments. There are plenty of other outlets to spew hatred and misinformation, and any such comments will be deleted and the commenter banned from future commenting. Thank you for your help in keeping our comments clean, Warrior!
Excellent comments and Idea’s. Im looking forward to the seminar on the 25th………TODAY!
Vote either Mail-in or early at open polls. That keeps you away from the hot spots. And like Jeff said, I too, believe that rioting will start, no matter who gets elected, immediately after the winner is announced.
So, be ready for a rough road ahead.
The dollar is falling from world influence. This will contribute to the unrest. Summer is the unofficial riot season and they can be expected to live down to that level.
As time goes on fewer people believe in the Constitution and more believe in socialism. The young are more likely to believe in socialism and react violently to a loss. The old people have less energy and are less likely to riot over a loss.
The only real danger is that when all hope is lost people will loose their inhibitions for violence.
Very good assessment Sam! As usual! 🙂
In Oklahoma electioneering is prohibited within 300 feet of the poll entrance. Cover or remove advertising before you go to vote. The county sheriff is responsible for protecting the polls.