North Carolina's election board unanimously passed a resolution on Monday to provide flexibility to counties most impacted by Hurricane Helene. The storm's damage has severely disrupted elections infrastructure and postal services in 13 counties, prompting the need for adjustments to voting procedures.
The resolution allows affected counties to make changes such as altering polling places, adjusting schedules, and enabling displaced voters to drop off absentee ballots at other county boards of election where they have relocated. Additionally, multipartisan assistance teams will be empowered to aid voters with absentee ballots.
Stacy Eggers, a Republican member of the elections board, emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the election process while accommodating the challenges posed by the storm. The goal is to minimize disruptions and ensure voting remains accessible to all eligible voters.
Karen Bell, the executive director of the elections board, acknowledged the ongoing struggles faced by county offices in the affected areas, including power outages and limited communication services. Despite these challenges, all county offices in North Carolina are now open.
Bell reassured the public that early voting, scheduled to begin on October 17, will proceed as planned. While adjustments may be necessary in the affected counties, efforts are being made to ensure that voters can participate in the electoral process.
The state remains committed to upholding the democratic principles of fair and accessible elections, even in the face of natural disasters. By granting flexibility to the most affected counties, North Carolina aims to uphold the integrity of the electoral process while prioritizing the needs of its citizens.
