Temporary fencing to surround Alamo Plaza on Election Day ‘as a security precaution’

SAN ANTONIO – Bracing for a possibly turbulent election night, city officials have decided to install temporary barriers around the Alamo “as a security precaution.”

The barrier will be added around the perimeter of the Alamo Plaza until the end of the week, according to a tweet from The Alamo.

The Alamo will still be free and open to the public during its regular operating hours.

San Antonio’s most famous landmark has remained in the spotlight amid a summer of civil unrest following the death of George Floyd that erupted into protests over police violence and inequality.

In June, temporary fencing was added around the plaza due to nights of protests.

On Tuesday, as the country faces a pivotal night amid a surging pandemic, an economic crisis and a division over foundational questions on racial justice, downtown venues and business are preparing for more unrest.

Downtown businesses on Monday boarded up windows and doors to ward off potential rioters or looters.

Election Day is Tuesday and polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. in Texas. Bexar County voters can cast a ballot at any polling location within the county. More than 300 polling locations, including schools, libraries, churches, city halls and community centers, will be open.

Read more from the Vote 2020 section:

• All the Election Day polling sites in Bexar County; voters can pick any one this year
• The procrastinator’s guide to voting on Election Day 2020 in Texas
• Who is on the November 2020 election ballot for Bexar County
• 5 things to watch on Election Day in San Antonio, Texas and US
• When will we know the results of the 2020 presidential election?
• Key races to watch in 2020 election in Bexar County
• Bexar County voters can vote at ANY polling location on Election Day
• What to know about 3 sales tax propositions on the ballot in San Antonio
• Do’s and Don’ts when voting in Texas