The Cook County Sheriff’s Office dispatches officers to polling places in case of trouble or threats.

CHICAGO (CBS) — Law enforcement and election officials are preparing amid fears of unrest and violence ahead of Election Day next week.

All actions taken are preparatory in nature and stem from past political violence and research shows that many believe political violence is normal.

“Security is a big concern for voters heading into this election,” said Max Bever, director of public information for the Chicago Board of Elections. “Fortunately, in Chicago, we do not see the same types of threats or problems as many of our friends in other election jurisdictions. But we still have to prepare for the worst.”

Bever ensures the smooth operation of polling places and the safety of poll workers.

“We do not train our poll workers to deal with any public safety issues or any de-escalation techniques,” he said. “We do not believe that a poll worker should feel obligated to expose themselves to any harm.”

That’s why the Cook County Sheriff’s Office is taking new measures at polling places to ensure security like never before.

“What do you need us to do? Where are your polling stations located? Where are all the locations where ballots are sent? Are they cared for? Are there police there? Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said. “We have police that we’ve deployed to certain places that we traditionally haven’t done.”

Dart said this type of law enforcement push forces his deputies to be proactive rather than reactive.

Other parts of the country are already experiencing serious problems.

In Oregon and Washington states The ballot boxes have already been set on fire.. In Florida, an 18-year-old was arrested at a polling station for using a machete in what police said was an attempt to intimidate voters.

“This is where law enforcement can step in,” Bever said. “This will escalate into a 911 call.”

Concerns about such actions are why the Cook County Sheriff’s Office remains prepared.

“We fully expect there will be no problems, no drama or anything like that in the election,” Dart said. “But we also have the ability to deal with it quickly and efficiently so that it doesn’t interfere with anyone, anywhere.”

On Wednesday, Dart said his office first received a call about a problem at a polling place: a man refused to leave and was causing trouble.

Police responded and resolved the situation without escalating it.