North Carolina Alters Voting Sites In Hurricane-Affected Counties, Ensures Access For Voters

The North Carolina Board of Elections has unanimously approved changes to voting sites and procedures for the 13 counties most impacted by Hurricane Helene, ensuring that residents in these areas can still participate in the upcoming elections. Early voting in the state will begin on October 17, but these affected counties will see modifications to ensure voter access despite the storm.

The counties affected include Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey. The changes allow for adjusted early voting locations, extended hours, and additional absentee ballot drop-off sites to accommodate those impacted by the storm.

Paul Cox, General Counsel for the Board of Elections, noted that staffing poll workers may be challenging due to the storm. To remedy this, the resolution permits county boards to bring in poll workers from other counties if necessary, ensuring that all voting locations are adequately staffed.

Alan Hirsch, Chair of the Board of Elections, emphasized the importance of ensuring that no voter is denied the right to vote because of logistical challenges. He also stressed that election integrity will be maintained throughout the process.
County election offices are open again, and local officials are working to ensure all necessary changes are in place before early voting starts statewide.