North Carolina Begins Early Voting As State Recovers From Hurricane Helene

 

Early in-person voting kicked off on Thursday in North Carolina, a critical presidential battleground, as the state continues to rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

The storm brought severe flooding, leaving many residents without power and clean water, particularly in the western, mountainous areas. Despite these challenges, election preparations moved forward. Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, confirmed that over 400 voting sites were scheduled to open across the state’s 100 counties for the 17-day early voting period.

In the 25 counties hardest hit by the hurricane, only four out of 80 voting locations will remain closed. "We lost just a few—despite the extensive damage, power outages, loss of water, internet, and phone service, and washed-out roads throughout the region," Bell stated. She commended the teamwork of emergency responders and election officials, adding, "It's an effort all North Carolinians should be proud of."

Hurricane Helene, which struck the Southeast three weeks ago, ravaged remote Appalachian towns and claimed at least 246 lives, with over half of the deaths occurring in North Carolina. It is the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Despite the widespread damage, early voting remains a popular choice in North Carolina. In 2020, 65% of ballots were cast through early voting, while the 2016 figure was 62%. Bell expressed optimism that early voter turnout might even increase, especially in storm-affected areas where voters may prefer not to wait until Election Day.

Early voting in North Carolina also offers same-day registration, allowing residents to register and vote simultaneously. Absentee voting, which began weeks earlier, has already seen over 60,000 ballots submitted. Displaced voters are allowed to drop off absentee ballots at any early voting site across the state.

Political campaigns have recognized the importance of early voting. Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz was set to campaign in Winston-Salem and Durham, alongside former President Bill Clinton. On the Republican side, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi planned stops in Rutherford County as part of the "Team Trump Bus Tour."

Local election boards are permitted to adjust voting locations and hours to accommodate storm recovery efforts. For example, in Buncombe County, 10 out of 14 early voting sites will open, while in Watauga County, voting hours have been altered to limit evening travel for voters and poll workers.

This election is also the first in North Carolina requiring voters to present photo identification. However, those who lost their IDs due to the storm can fill out an exception form to vote.