11 Unfortunately Real Photos Of DC During The 2024 Election

Happy totally normal Election Day! As the US waits to find out whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will be president, some cities are enacting extra security measures in case of any potential civil unrest.

Kamala Harris smiling and speaking at a podium, wearing a coat, with multiple American flags in the background
Kamala Harris smiling and speaking at a podium, wearing a coat, with multiple American flags in the background
Donald Trump in a suit walks energetically at a rally, surrounded by a cheering crowd and patriotic decorations
Donald Trump in a suit walks energetically at a rally, surrounded by a cheering crowd and patriotic decorations

Justin Sullivan / Getty Images, Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

One such place is the nation's capital, Washington, DC. Police Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement that an "enhanced police presence" would be in the city with officers working at least 12-hour shifts. "I want to be very clear: We will not tolerate any violence of any kind,” she said. “We will not tolerate any riots. We will not tolerate the destruction of property. We will not tolerate any unlawful behavior. Offenders will be arrested and will be held accountable."

View of the White House with the Washington Monument in the background, surrounded by autumn foliage
Nurphoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images

So, here are some pictures of what DC looks like right now:

1.Firstly, many local businesses — especially those near the White House — have elected to cover their windows in plywood.

McDonald's storefront with windows boarded up, people walking and cycling by on the sidewalk
Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

2.The places are still open and operational despite the vibe of the city appearing, as one visitor put it, "dystopian."

People entering a CVS Pharmacy with boarded-up windows
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

3.One local business owner cited Jan. 6 as a reason why they turned their restaurant into a "fortress."

Outdoor seating with tables and chairs under a Potbelly Sandwich Shop umbrella. Signs on boarded-up windows state, "We're Open"
Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

4.Of course, not everyone is a fan, with another DC resident telling local news that he didn't think all the preparation was "necessary."

Outdoor seating at a Peet's Coffee shop with a sign advertising a seasonal drink
Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

5.Even the post office was boarded up:

People boarding up a U.S. Post Office in a city, preparing for protection
Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images

6.There's also security fencing being erected around specific areas, like Lafayette Square in front of the White House:

Workers in hard hats and safety gear are setting up fencing in a park under trees
Daniel SLIM / AFP

7.Here's another shot of the White House:

People walk past a fenced statue in a park; a person holds a sign reading "Hate Won't Make America Great."
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

8.A reminder that this is DC, a city with a lot of existing security:

Security personnel direct traffic and manage barriers on a city street
Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

9.The Treasury Department faced a similar treatment:

Workers in safety gear install fencing outside a historic building in an urban area
Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

10.As did Howard University, where Harris will be spending her election night:

A worker in a reflective vest is setting up metal barricades outdoors, with trees visible in the background
Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images

11.Meaning that construction on the campaign election stage began on Sunday:

  Kent Nishimura / Getty Images
Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

Well, here's your final reminder: Go out and vote!