State of siege to protect US election recounts
Impressive security measures surround the American elections. Near Phoenix, Arizona, the election center is entrenched with armed men, cameras, fences...
It looks like an entrenched camp. In Maricopa, south of Phoenix in Arizona, the election center is entitled to reinforced protection for theAmerican elections on November 5, 2024. This key polling state is facing numerous conspiracy theories. Trump and his supporters' refusal to concede defeat in 2020 is still alive and well. In the last presidential election, the gap between Joe Biden and Donald Trump was minimal: 10,500 votes. This led to armed people “protesting” outside the center after the vote. Fortunately, measures had already been taken in 2020 in order to avoid disrupting the count.
Live cameras
To avoid any suspicion of fraud or cheating, the means deployed are once again commensurate with the authorities' fears, especially in the face of electoral conspiracy. Armed agents are present in large numbers inside the building and in the enclosure that is surrounded by a high security fence. Concrete barriers block accesses, which are necessarily carefully controlled. Cameras film the entire area. The images are broadcast live on the Internet to avoid any accusations of fakery. As stated on the official website: “Maricopa County Elections will provide live video feeds within the county to allow the public to view the electoral process”. This is where the ballot boxes are deposited and the counting takes place.
Barricades
Note that in other cities and states, counting centers are also protected, particularly in swing states. In Washington, D.C. (photo), the White House, the surrounding area and institutional buildings have also been secured in preparation for possible demonstrations.
(MH with Olivier Duquesne - Source: Le Soir with AFP - Picture: © picture alliance / NurPhoto | Andrew Thomas)