Following the aftermath of Helene in western North Carolina, Buncombe County is gearing up for the upcoming 2024 election with a strong commitment to ensuring that voting proceeds smoothly despite the challenges faced. Corinne Duncan, the director of elections for the county, expressed confidence in the county's preparedness to facilitate the voting process.
Duncan reassured citizens by stating, 'Buncombe County will vote.' She emphasized that despite the personal hardships faced by staff and board members, efforts have been underway to ensure that the community's voice is heard in the election process, even in times of tragedy.
While the county elections office currently lacks running water, it has access to power, and Duncan confirmed that the office will be operational from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. She also encouraged volunteer poll workers to reach out to the office for assistance.
Fortunately, the office and its equipment were spared from the impact of the storm. Duncan mentioned that collaboration with the emergency team and the State Board of Elections is ongoing to strategize and adapt plans for the upcoming election. Assessments are being made to determine the availability of voting locations in the county.
Early voting in North Carolina is scheduled to commence on October 17, with absentee voting by mail already in progress. Any North Carolinian eligible for absentee voting must request a ballot by October 29 to participate in the election process.
