Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, Buncombe County is gearing up for the upcoming 2024 election. Despite the challenges faced, Corinne Duncan, the director of elections for the county, has assured citizens that voting will proceed as planned.
Despite the county elections office lacking running water, it has power, and Duncan confirmed that the office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. She also called for volunteer poll workers to reach out to the office to assist in the election process.
Fortunately, the office and equipment were spared from the hurricane's impact. Duncan mentioned that they are collaborating with the emergency team and the State Board of Elections to adjust their plans and determine available voting locations.
Early voting in North Carolina is set to commence on October 17, with absentee voting already underway. Any North Carolinian eligible to vote can request an absentee ballot, with the deadline for requests being October 29.
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, Buncombe County remains committed to ensuring that its residents have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard in the upcoming election.
