North Carolina Board Modifies Voting Sites In Counties Affected By Hurricane Helene

The North Carolina Board of Elections has voted unanimously to adjust voting locations and procedures for 13 counties severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Early voting is scheduled to start on October 17, and these changes are designed to ensure that voters in these storm-damaged areas can still participate without difficulties.

The counties affected by the decision include Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey. The modifications allow local election officials to move early voting sites, extend hours, and set up additional absentee ballot drop-off locations.

Paul Cox, General Counsel for the Board of Elections, pointed out that poll worker availability may become a challenge. To solve this, the resolution allows county election boards to bring in poll workers from outside the affected areas to fill staffing shortages.

Board Chair Alan Hirsch emphasized the importance of making sure that all citizens in these counties can vote, saying, “We must ensure access for all while maintaining the integrity of the election process.” The bipartisan vote demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding the right to vote, even in difficult circumstances.

With county election offices reopened, preparations are now underway to implement these changes before early voting begins.

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