2 months ago
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How do you get people to the polls when they lack power, gas, water, or usable roads? That’s the challenge facing the North Carolina Board of Elections since Hurricane Helene made landfall on Sept. 26.
The deadly storm washed away homes, destroyed businesses, and claimed over 230 lives, with the toll expected to rise. Thirteen of North Carolina's 100 counties were affected, forcing the elections board to combat politically charged lies and conspiracy theories while implementing measures to ensure impacted residents can vote in the upcoming Nov. 5 election.
As of Oct. 7, all 100 county election offices were open, including those in hurricane-affected areas. A new bipartisan resolution passed unanimously by Republican and Democratic elections officials aims to assist voters in these counties.
Joanna Brown, a 37-year-old resident of Henderson County, expressed uncertainty about being able to cast her ballot. She said immediate needs like “searching for loved ones, salvaging what they can from homes and businesses, and figuring out how to survive day-to-day” are a priority right now.
“My current early voting location is inaccessible due to flood damage,” Brown said. “And the route I would take to get to my county’s election office is impassable. The roads are no longer there.”
