D.C. prepares for possible 'mayhem' on Election Day with parking limits, road closures
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Mayor Muriel Bowser discussed a number of preparations the city will make in anticipation of the Nov. 3 general election including parking restrictions and possible road closures.
“Some people would like to cause mayhem or trouble. We don't have anything specific to report to you about that, but we will tell you that we are preparing to ensure the city's safety,” said Bowser.
Some downtown businesses have already been boarding up buildings that could be vulnerable to the potential mayhem.
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Here's what you need to know as Election Day approaches:
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
Metropolitan Police and the city will put in a number of parking restrictions downtown on Election Day which could become road closures as the mayor advised drivers not to travel or attempt to park downtown on Nov. 3.
The perimeter is set around L, 18th, Constitution and 9th in Northwest Washington. Road closures could also occur in that location and are planned for both Election Day and the day after.
“We do not advise driving downtown and certainly not parking downtown,” said Bowser.
Street closures make things a little different for businesses in that area that rely on food delivery services like Union Kitchen.
“It’s extremely difficult for drivers to get here whenever that happens so we have to just not operate with Uber Eats sometimes which really cuts into what we sell in the day,” said Union Kitchen Supervisor Austin Klawitter.
That’s really his only concern. He said the building owners, however, put up boards along the front doors of the business.
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RESOURCES
With a number of first amendment protests happening during the week of Election Day, the mayor says this could possibly disrupt business operations. To prevent this from occurring, Ready DC has resources available to help area businesses. There is also a first amendment demonstration resource guide that can be found here.
D.C.'s emergency operations center will be activated on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 and it will stay open as long as it's needed. Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive real-time safety alerts by signing up here.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
The city has not requested the National Guard or mutual assistance for Election Day at this time. Bowser says if that changes, she will communicate the requests with leaders from other states and District residents.
VOTING
The mayor encouraged DC residents to take advantage of early voting. Approximately 32 early voting centers will open for early voting through Election Day with early voting in D.C. beginning Tuesday, Oct. 27. These centers are open for early voting from October 27 to November 2 from 8:30 am - 7 p.m. and locations of early voting centers in the District can be found here.
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Voting Centers for the November 3 General Election will open Tuesday, October 27 through Monday, November 2 from 8:30 am - 7:00 pm. On November 3, 2020 (Election Day), Vote Centers will open from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm.
The Super Vote Centers will be available to accommodate large numbers of voters but do not offer curbside voting.
Elections officials are also setting up 55 ballot drop boxes at locations throughout the city. Those will be available to voters starting October 5. Ballots can be dropped off in the mail and in a secure drop box.
