In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, officials in North Carolina are bracing for the storm’s potential impact on voting, particularly in the western regions of the state, including the Appalachian Mountains. The hurricane has wreaked havoc on critical infrastructure, leading to damaged roads and polling places, which could hinder access for voters. Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, highlighted the potential challenges during the election process, such as mudslides blocking polling sites and fallen trees obstructing access. The state is currently grappling with the effects of the storm just weeks ahead of the upcoming elections, raising concerns about voting accessibility.
As of Thursday morning, the North Carolina elections board confirmed the closure of five county boards of elections due to the storm’s aftermath: Avery, Buncombe, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey counties. While elections staff in Avery, Buncombe, and Watauga counties are still operational, the situation remains unclear for Mitchell and Yancey. Additionally, reports indicate a significant registered voter demographic in the designated disaster zones; around 480,000 are Republicans, 292,000 are Democrats, and almost 490,000 are unaffiliated with either major party. These closures and uncertainties pose a significant challenge for voters who wish to participate in the upcoming elections.
Important deadlines are on the horizon for voter registration and mail-in ballots. Voter registration in North Carolina must be completed by October 11, 25 days before the general election on November 4. Registration can also occur in-person during the early voting period from October 17 to November 2. For mail-in ballots, a completed application needs to reach the elections board 20 days before the election, with the last day to request an absentee ballot set for October 29. As of now, approximately 16,000 early votes have already been cast, all of which are mail-in ballots, highlighting the urgency of ensuring voters can access their voting rights amidst ongoing disruptions.
North Carolina is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, which follows a competitive race in 2020 where Donald Trump narrowly won against Joe Biden. The Cook Political Report has labeled North Carolina as a “toss-up” state for the upcoming election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Recent polling suggests that both candidates are in close contention, reflecting the state’s critical status that both campaigns are heavily targeting with visits and events throughout the year. The high stakes of this political battleground state have increased the urgency to secure a smooth election process despite the challenges posed by the hurricane.
In light of the ongoing disruptions, Brinson Bell expressed a “daunting” sense of uncertainty regarding the upcoming election, particularly with early voting rapidly approaching. Despite the challenges, she affirmed that the state is committed to ensuring secure and fair elections, bolstered by experience from previous storms. The determination of both local election officials and voters was emphasized as being crucial in overcoming these adversities, showcasing a resilient spirit among the mountain communities as they navigate this difficult period.
Federal and National Guard support is being mobilized to assist North Carolina and other affected areas. Over 6,700 members of the Army and Air National Guard have been activated, with significant resources allocated to assist in recovery efforts and ensure public safety. According to Frank Matranga of FEMA, over 5,000 federal employees are actively responding to the crisis, demonstrating a unified effort to restore order and support the local populace in western North Carolina. The collaborative response underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to help communities recover in time for the election, which remains a significant concern as officials prepare for the logistics of voting amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
