Former President Trump's campaign has indicated plans to address Election Day transportation challenges for individuals affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in the southeastern United States.
The campaign emphasized the importance of protecting lives and livelihoods in the wake of the hurricanes. They have urged state and local officials in North Carolina to ensure accessible voting locations and are exploring options to provide transportation for voters impacted by the disasters.
With nearly 1.3 million registered voters in the federal disaster area of western North Carolina, the Trump campaign's efforts aim to prevent disenfranchisement and uphold the right to vote. North Carolina, a state Trump won by a narrow margin in 2020, is a key focus for these initiatives.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has also taken steps to ensure voter access, sending recommendations to state officials to address challenges faced by hurricane-affected communities.
Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, North Carolina State Board of Elections officials have announced the reopening of 75 out of 80 early voting sites in the affected counties. This move underscores the commitment to facilitating voter participation in the upcoming election.
Efforts to secure polling places in the disaster area include coordination with emergency management agencies to provide necessary resources such as portable restrooms and generators. The state legislature has allocated emergency funding to support election preparations and expanded measures to accommodate early voting modifications.
Local election boards, such as the Buncombe County Board of Elections, have adjusted early voting schedules and locations to accommodate hurricane-impacted communities. State officials, along with county election officials, are working diligently to ensure a smooth voting process despite the challenges posed by the natural disasters.
State Representative Chuck Edwards highlighted concerns about voter engagement in hurricane-affected areas, emphasizing the need for continued support and awareness of the upcoming election amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
