Chicago Police Presence Will Be Up In Case Of Civil Unrest Around Election

Chicagoans will likely notice a higher police presence as officials prepare for possible civil unrest around a crucial Election Day (November 3).

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who hopes that any protests of election results will remain peaceful, explained that there will be more police in uniform and police cars downtown and in Chicago neighborhoods, similar to the 10-day strategy to civil unrest over the summer, WGN9 reported Saturday (October 31).

“Regardless of what happens, November 3 will be a big day for all of us,” Lightfoot said. “And our goal is clear: Keep Chicagoans safe, as we take part in this momentous day.”

The Chicago Board of Elections confirmed last week that the city is on track to set a new early voting turnout record, set to nearly double the turnout of the last presidential election year.

Reaching the “second surge” of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials are requiring masks at polling places, which will also enforce social distancing and sanitizing guidelines and install plexiglass, according to WGN9.

"Please do not invite anyone over to your house or apartment," Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said in a press conference last month. "This is not the time for non-essential gatherings, period…The virus is just looking for opportunities to spread.”

Find voter information at chicagoelections.gov.

Photo: Getty Images