Businesses around the White House continued to board up windows and erect temporary fencing, precautions taken amid worries that Election Day — and the days ahead — could lead to unrest, AP reports.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said the police department is also stepping up its presence in commercial districts in all eight wards of the city.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith at a Monday news conference sought to reassure the city’s residents that her department is prepared for whatever Election Day might bring.

“Our team has been fully engaged and vigilant,” she said. “We are the best in the country at what we do, and we will keep working around the clock to keep Washington, DC, safe and keep our residents safe.”

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