Kamala Harris dismisses concerns of violence around 2020 election and urges ‘faith in the American people’

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

Find out moreClose

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Kamala Harris has urged Americans not to let themselves be frightened about the threat of violence marring the election, telling them to “have faith” in their fellow citizens.

Speaking in Detroit on Tuesday, during a final push to encourage people to vote, she was asked what her message was for those worried about possible unrest.

“Have faith in the American people,” she said. 

“I do strongly believe that we, whoever you vote for, will defend the integrity of our democracy and a peaceful transfer of power. And there are certain lines that, whoever you vote for, that we just won’t cross.”

Asked how she was feeling about her chances, she laughed and replied: “Listen, the day ain’t over! Ask me when the polls close and then I might have a better idea. But right now I am just here to remind people to vote, because the election is still happening right now. It’s not over.”

Voter intimidation during the polls has been considered a real threat, with numerous militia groups vowing to turn up on election day, with their guns, to “monitor” the process.

There have not been widespread reports of voter intimidation, so far.

Other people are extremely worried about what will happen when the results begin to trickle through, and if the result is contested. Passions are running extremely high on both sides, but Ms Harris, a former attorney general for California, sought to ease people’s concerns.

Shopkeepers and business owners across the country were taking no chances, though, and many windows had been boarded up in anticipation of trouble.

Areas around the White House have been cordoned off and large parts of Manhattan covered with protective screens.