# US National Guard election security deployments > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-national-guard-election-security-deployments > Updated: 2026-10-30T08:30:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. National Guard deployments have been utilized to monitor ballot drop boxes in different regions of the United States. In Washington, Governor Bob Ferguson initiated an “Election Neighborhood Watch” to provide security assistance to county auditors. This deployment involves unarmed, plainclothes members tasked with observing ballot boxes overnight and reporting suspicious activity. The measure was introduced in response to a highly charged political atmosphere and previous incidents involving white powder letters and incendiary devices. In the District of Columbia, the Board of Elections requested that National Guard members limit their presence near voting locations. This request followed reports of service members standing near a ballot drop box in Foggy Bottom. The Joint Task Force-District of Columbia stated that troops are directed not to monitor or secure polling locations and is addressing the incident. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-30: Washington National Guard to monitor ballot boxes Washington National Guard members will monitor ballot drop boxes overnight in several counties to enhance election security following threats and a highly charged political atmosphere. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-national-guard-to-monitor-ballot-boxes ### 2026-10-09: DC Board of Elections requests National Guard stay away from ballot drop boxes The DC Board of Elections has requested that National Guard members stay away from ballot drop boxes and voting sites following reports of troops stationed near a drop box in Foggy Bottom. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dc-board-of-elections-requests-national-guard-stay-away-from-ballot-drop-boxes --- Cite as: US National Guard election security deployments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-national-guard-election-security-deployments