The movement follows a formal request from the D.C. Board of Elections after video footage showed troops loitering by a box in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. While two National Guard officials told the Washington Post the troops were on routine patrol and not guarding the boxes, the head of the D.C. ACLU called the military presence an "affront to democracy." The Guard has since stated that troops are directed not to monitor or secure polling locations.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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National Guard Vacates DC Ballot Sites After Board Request
US Politics10 days ago
Military personnel are no longer present near ballot drop boxes in Washington, D.C., including the site at the George Washington University campus at 23rd and I, NW. Resident reports from Oct. 10 indicate that the National Guard has retreated from these voting locations and is no longer visible for blocks around the sites, marking a reversal from previous days when troops were seen near ballot collection points.
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