New York City authorities have announced an "extraordinary" police presence will be in place on the streets on election day as both presidential candiates due to be there on the evening of the vote
"Know that you are safe and well-protected," Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a Monday news conference, adding that "we have beefed up our ability to handle multiple sites simultaneously".
He added that the city will not allow itself to be intimidated by any terrorist threat or anybody intending to destabilise the electoral process.
The mayor also said that New York was cognisant of the fact that the whole world will be watching it on election day, particularly since for the first time in 70 years both major parties' presidential candidates will be there on the evening of the vote amid very heavy security measures.
De Blasio emphasised the New York Police Department's significant increase in anti-terrorism resources, in particular the deployment 500 rapid response officers, who will play a crucial role on election day to provide security for voters, citizens and candidates.
He also noted the NYPD's ability to provide security for the visit of Pope Francis last year and 170 world leaders, including President Barack Obama, for the United Nations General Assembly.
The mayor also called upon New Yorkers to keep in mind that "if you see something, say something," a slogan that is part of the anti-terrorism campaign.
Meanwhile, NYPD Chief Carlos Gomez said that this will be the city's largest-ever security deployment for an election, with more than 5000 officers stationed around the city, adding that - in co-operation with representatives from all 50 states and many federal agencies - authorities have more than three times the necessary resources to provide ample security.
