North Carolina Implements Emergency Voting Measures Post-Hurricane Helene
A unified decision by North Carolina’s election board has introduced temporary measures to support voters in 13 counties severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. The initiative seeks to maintain voter turnout by offering more lenient absentee ballot rules for the forthcoming election.
Residents can now request absentee ballots in person until November 4, a day before the election, extending the original October 29 deadline for online absentee ballot requests. Additionally, voters have the flexibility to submit their absentee ballots at any state or county polling location, provided they are received by 7:30 p.m. ET on Election Day, November 5.
In response to disrupted polling sites, the election board has authorized county election boards to adjust early voting hours and relocate polling stations as needed. Damaged locations or those serving as shelters necessitate these changes. County boards can also recruit poll workers from other counties to ensure enough staffing at voting sites.
The state has maintained its voter registration deadline of October 11, but offers same-day registration during the early voting period from October 17 to November 2, providing additional opportunities for registration.
Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director of the State Board of Elections, reassures that despite mail service disruptions, voters can track their absentee ballots. Five counties currently lack both retail and delivery services due to the storm’s impact.
These measures are seen as essential to mitigating the storm’s effects on voter participation. Similar adaptations have been made in other states.
Florida’s response includes an executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis, allowing election officials to adjust polling locations and utilize drop boxes in 13 affected counties. Despite the hurricane, DeSantis did not extend the voter registration deadline from October 7.
South Carolina, on the other hand, extended its registration deadline to October 14. Georgia reports minimal disruption, with approximately 700 ballots delayed due to post office closures, but steps are being taken to address this.
