OAKLAND, California. – Police departments across the Bay Area and across the United States are preparing for Election Day.

In the East Bay, Oakland police are increasing their numbers for Tuesday evening. The police department says it is coordinating with its law enforcement partners to enable a regional response if necessary.

Some businesses in downtown Oakland have started boarding up their windows in case the situation gets out of hand.

Across the San Francisco Bay, the police department says it is fully staffed and ready to respond to emergencies at all hours.

Officers say they are inviting people to express their First Amendment rights, but say violence or destruction of property will not be tolerated.