North Carolina election officials are facing challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene as they strive to ensure that voters in the crucial swing state can cast their ballots in the upcoming presidential election. The storm caused unprecedented damage in the western part of the state, with 12 county election offices remaining closed and absentee ballots encountering obstacles such as postal delays and infrastructure damage.
Despite the uncertainty caused by the storm, early voting is scheduled to begin on Oct. 17, and officials are committed to helping voters navigate the emergency. North Carolina has a history of holding safe and secure elections even in the face of natural disasters, and they are prepared to do so again.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has raised concerns about the impact on voting in the state, which is a key battleground in the presidential race. Asheville, the most populous city in the affected region, is a Democratic stronghold surrounded by largely Republican counties, adding to the uncertainty of the eventual impact on statewide races.
Emergency workers are still engaged in rescue efforts across the Southeast, and election officials in other states like Georgia are also assessing the damage and potential impacts on voting operations. In North Carolina, officials are considering moving or combining voting locations and offering special accommodations for absentee voters affected by the storm.
The Postal Service is working to ensure the transport and delivery of Election Mail in the affected areas, and voters are encouraged to track their ballots using the state's BallotTrax service. Officials are exploring additional measures to accommodate voters, such as extending the absentee ballot deadline or allowing more people to cast ballots through an online portal.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, election officials are working diligently to ensure that voters in North Carolina can participate in the upcoming election. Special emergency kits have been provided to county boards to support election operations in the absence of power, phone, or internet service.
