In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, election workers and voters in western North Carolina are facing challenges as they navigate the recovery process while participating in the upcoming presidential election.
Some election workers have had to share space with first responders and hurricane relief volunteers, while voters are dealing with travel detours caused by storm damage and a lack of reliable cell or internet services to access election information.
Early voting in Buncombe and Madison counties, which were significantly affected by Helene, has highlighted the resilience of communities in the face of adversity. Despite power outages, damaged roads, and water shortages, elections officials are witnessing positive signs of voter turnout in the mountain counties and across the state.
Key Takeaways from Early Voting Preparation
Several early voting sites in western North Carolina were unable to open due to storm damage, leading to the relocation of polling places. In Madison County, the Hot Springs Community Center was destroyed by flooding, prompting officials to establish a new early voting location at the Hot Springs Senior Meal Site.
Communicating with voters has been a challenge for the Madison County Board of Elections, as office phones have been out of service. Despite these obstacles, all poll workers in the county remain committed to ensuring a smooth election process.
Statewide Record Turnout
Despite the disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene, North Carolina saw a record number of ballots cast on the first day of early voting, with over 350,000 votes recorded. By the end of the first week, more than 1.3 million early in-person and mailed ballots had been submitted statewide.
In Hot Springs, a small town with a population of 500, early voting turnout exceeded expectations, with more than 50 voters casting their ballots on the first day. This surge in voter participation was a positive sign for the community.
Voters Overcome Challenges
Many voters in Buncombe County faced significant obstacles, including damaged roads and prolonged power outages, as they made their way to polling places. Despite these challenges, residents expressed the importance of participating in what they described as one of the most critical presidential elections of their lives.
One couple, Susan and Stephen Miller, drove to the Black Mountain Library to vote on the first day of early voting, despite dealing with ongoing issues at home. Their determination to cast their ballots reflected the resilience and commitment of voters in the region.
