Article Summary –
Hurricane Helene’s devastation in North Carolina poses challenges for upcoming elections. Election officials, led by Karen Brinson Bell, are working to ensure voting access despite damaged infrastructure. Voter registration and absentee ballot plans are in motion, with adaptable measures for affected areas.
North Carolina Election Officials Provide Guidance for Voters Impacted by Hurricane Helene Amidst Uncertainty
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, significant damage has affected voting in North Carolina. The hurricane erased entire communities, severed roads, and isolated survivors.
Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director of the North Carolina Board of Elections, expressed devastation and determination to ensure voting proceeds. “This storm’s impact on western North Carolina is unprecedented,” she stated.
With a critical election approaching, the state is striving to facilitate voting for impacted areas. “Mountain people are strong, and election officials are resilient,” Brinson Bell noted.
The board, recognized nationally for its innovative voter education, is committed to maintaining safe elections. “Our priorities are safety and ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot,” Brinson Bell emphasized.
Guidance for Voters in Affected Areas
There are 25 counties affected, with over 1.2 million registered voters. Absentee ballots have already been mailed, but concerns loom for voters lacking access to mail services.
Registration ends on Oct. 11, with in-person registration available during early voting. For those without internet access, questions remain about voter registration and voting locations.
The Board has created a dedicated webpage for updates. Ten offices remain closed, but no voting equipment has been damaged.
Voter ID and Absentee Ballots
Lost or damaged IDs due to the storm can be addressed using an ID exception form, acknowledging natural disasters as exceptions. Absentee ballots can be tracked through BallotTrax.
Displaced voters can request ballots via the absentee ballot portal.
Registration and Voting Site Availability
Register online by Oct. 11 via the DMV website. Early voting begins Oct. 17, with efforts to open sites across all counties. The approach will vary by county based on damage levels, with temporary solutions being explored.
Poll Workers and Election Continuity
Despite challenges, Brinson Bell is confident in the resources available for conducting the election. “North Carolinians answer the call,” she remarked, anticipating community support.
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