Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
Politics

Hurricane Helene Disrupts Elections Infrastructure In Several States

Debris left in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is cleared Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Del Rio, Tenn. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Less than a month before Election Day, Hurricane Helene has caused disruptions in elections infrastructure and postal services in several states. The impact of the hurricane has been particularly felt in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, election officials in the affected areas have been working diligently to ensure that voters can securely cast their early ballots. In North Carolina, the election board unanimously passed a resolution to grant the most affected counties the flexibility to adjust early voting sites and schedules. Displaced voters are also allowed to drop off absentee ballots at other county boards of election where they have relocated.

Despite the challenges posed by the hurricane, North Carolina remains committed to opening early voting on October 17 as planned. In Buncombe County, North Carolina, officials have reaffirmed their readiness to proceed with voting in the upcoming election.

North Carolina adjusts early voting sites and schedules post-Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene disrupts elections in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Buncombe County, NC, ready for early voting despite challenges.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida later this week. Despite the storm's impact, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that the state will not extend its voter registration deadline. This decision has been met with opposition from voting rights groups, who have been advocating for an extension until October 15.

The League of Women Voters of Florida, along with other organizations, has reiterated their call for an extension of the voter registration deadline. However, Governor DeSantis has maintained that the deadline will not be extended.

The preparations and responses of these states in the face of natural disasters highlight the importance of ensuring that voters have access to secure and timely voting options. As Election Day approaches, efforts are being made to mitigate the impact of the hurricanes on the electoral process and to uphold the integrity of the democratic system.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.