Some shopfronts near White House are boarded up as election nears

Shops in Washington and New York are protected against violent protests

Days before millions head to the polls across the US, concerns about post-vote violence mounted in Washington with shops, restaurants and banks taking safety measures.

Businesses near the White House boarded up windows during the summer when the area became a flashpoint for protests that at times turned destructive.

But in recent days, more shops followed suit.

Some, such as a Starbucks near the White House, have signs indicating that they are open, despite boards covering the windows.

The sound of saws, hammers and drills has also been prolific in recent days.

Reports indicate that similar moves are being made in New York City, where demonstrations against racial inequality and police brutality have been common this year.

According to PIX11 News, Macy's covered up several windows in Manhattan "out of an abundance of caution".

There have not been any violent demonstrations in Washington in recent months, but that has not deterred business from preparing for the worst.

What is fuelling the fears and distrust? Legal challenges that would make it more difficult for mail-in and absentee ballots to be counted in Pennsylvania and Minnesota are certainly not helping to raise confidence among the electorate about the integrity of the vote.

US President Donald Trump spent months making false connections between mail-in ballots and voter fraud, thereby encouraging his supporters to question the outcome if he failed to be re-elected.

Mr Trump has been asked many times if he would accept the election results should he lose.

But he has not committed to doing so, raising fears of a prolonged and controversial election.

The election is taking place amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 235,000 in the US, increasing the physical and mental anguish of an already anxious country.

Gallery: The US Election, in pictures