National Guard Activated for Election Day Support in Multiple States: Pentagon

National Guard units in over a dozen states will support Election Day operations, focusing on logistics and cybersecurity.

A National Guardsman stands outside the razor wire fencing that surrounds the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 15, 2021. Liz Lynch/Getty Images

National Guard units have been activated or are on standby in over a dozen states to provide assistance to state and local authorities on Election Day, with a primary focus on logistical support and cybersecurity measures, according to the Pentagon and the National Guard Bureau (NGB). Officials emphasized that the mission aligns with past election operations, but adjustments have been made this year to address specific concerns around election integrity.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has authorized the DC National Guard to support emergency responders in the district from Nov. 5 through Nov. 13, according to Department of Defense (DOD) press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.  The deployment is standard for high-profile events, he said at a Nov. 4 press conference.