HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Cali. (KIEM)- As tensions rise amid one of the most divisive elections on record, law officials grapple with how to prepare – including right here on the North Coast.
“This has been a turbulent and difficult year for our country, political and social tension have been on the rise,” said Eureka Police Department’s Chief Steve Watson.
The fear of unrest also on the rise, according to local law officials.
“It is our goal to secure every person’s right to vote safely and without fear, to peacefully gather and to be heard,” said Watson.
“We do hear people’s fears and anxieties and they are sharing those, you know, on social media,” said Humboldt County’s Sheriff William Honsal.
Honsal says, they’ve collaborated with local election officials to provide training leading up to Election Day.
“To make sure that they understand, of when to report suspicious activity and how to de-escalate situations,” he said.
Honsal says, local lawmen aren’t anticipating any issues.
“Overall, we hope that there’s not going to be any civil unrest,” he said. “But the thing is, we have to prepare for the unknown.”
The California Highway Patrol says, their primary responsibility is to protect California properties – including state buildings and highways.
CHP’s Director of Communications Fran Clader said, in part,
“As a statewide law enforcement agency, the CHP has officers available to respond to any incident or a request for assistance by an allied agency through the mutual aid process anywhere in California.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and plan our resources accordingly.”
Honsul says, his office will be responsive and reactive to what people decide after the elections.
He asks community members to report any suspicious behavior to local police.
“If they see something, voter interference, intimidation, if people are trying to interfere with the process or elections, please call 911,” said Honsal.
Sgt. Eddie Wilson says, everyone has a right to vote for their preferred candidate, without consequence.
“Democracy takes an entire community, respect everyone’s rights to vote for whoever they think is the best candidate,” said Wilson. “No matter what happens in the election Eureka, we all have to get along afterwards.”
