Ahead of Election Day, DC is preparing for what could be a tumultuous time.

Fencing was reinforced outside the White House on Lafayette Square on Sunday evening, and there was a similar scene outside the vice president’s residence, the Naval Observatory.

Some downtown businesses have boarded up their windows ahead of the election and security measures have been put in place at Howard University, where Vice President Kamala Harris will hold her election watch party.

Security is already tight across the district ahead of the elections. There will be increased police patrols around the campus of Howard University, where preparations are underway for Vice President Kamala Harris’ election night watch party. Jessica Albert of News4 reports this.

Some people said it’s hard not to feel tense.

“Seeing temporary fencing around the White House and other nearby government buildings feels a little dystopian,” said Grant Hawkins, who visits the district. “That is certainly the case: the temperature has risen in our country today and it will be an interesting week.”

Another visitor said: “I feel a bit uncomfortable in general. I think everyone is a little bit tense, no matter where you end up politically. I think people are just in a wait-and-see attitude.”

The U.S. Secret Service told News4 that fencing and other security measures will be installed around the White House, the Naval Observatory and the Palm Beach Convention Center, where former President Donald Trump’s election night watch party will take place.

“These improvements are not in response to a specific issue, but are part of extensive public safety preparations for Tuesday’s elections,” the agency said.

The police chief said officers will pay extra attention to ballot boxes and polling places. Juliana Valencia from News4 reports this.

Currently, DC police say there are no known credible threats, but they are preparing for any challenges that may arise during election week.

“I want to be very clear: We will not tolerate violence of any kind,” said Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. “We will not tolerate riots. We will not tolerate the destruction of property. Violators will be arrested and held accountable.”

Officers will work 12-hour shifts this week and “depending on what happens, maybe a little longer to make sure we have enough officers on the streets and in every corner of our city,” Smith said.

They will pay extra attention to ballot boxes and polling stations, she said.

“We are aware of incidents of ballot tampering across the country, and we will not tolerate any form of voter intimidation or disruption of this election process,” Smith said.

News4 sends breaking news stories by email. Go here to sign up and get breaking news alerts in your inbox.

MPD has recruited nearly 4,000 police officers from across the country who will be sworn in to assist with security on Inauguration Day.

One thing law enforcement says is critical: If you see something suspicious, say something and report it to them.