US English. Raleigh, NC – October 23, 2024
Early voting in North Carolina cuts across the state unabated with the devastating storm of Hurricane Helene that has plagued it. The historic storm devastation in terms of devastating winds, heavy flooding, and power outages throughout the State hasn’t deterred the people from getting out and exercising their right to vote.
State officials said that early voting locations were up and running in most areas, and that emergency crews were working around the clock to restore power and open blocked roads to guarantee access. Temporary polling stations have also been set up in the worst-hit counties for people who have been displaced from their homes by the storm.
The governor, Roy Cooper, saluted the voters for their resilience when he said, “North Carolinians are showing incredible strength. Even in the face of adversity, we are proving that nothing will stop us from making our voices heard.”
Election boards have been working with emergency management teams to try to keep the polling locations operating. Voting hours have been extended in areas still dealing with storm damage, and mobile units will be dispatched to make sure everyone has a chance to vote. Absentee ballots will also be provided to those who cannot make it to polling stations.
Helene, described as one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit this region in recent memory, left its mark with widespread flooding, property damage, and infrastructure breakdowns. Still, election officials remain committed to seeing the voting process keep moving along. “It’s a logistical challenge, but democracy can’t wait,” said Karen Brinson Bell, the Executive Director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Across the state, residents have been undeterred. “We lost power, and our home was damaged, but I wasn’t going to miss this election,” said Sarah Jenkins of Wilmington, who voted early at a temporary station.
Local communities are also working to support voters, with volunteers offering transportation to polling sites and local organizations opening shelters where residents can cast ballots.
With early voting under way and Election Day near, officials want to remind all citizens that polling locations and schedules are subject to change as recovery continues. Updates will continue to be provided through the local news media, social media, and other official government channels to ensure no voter is left behind.
The perseverance of North Carolina’s voters speaks volumes about a citizenry committed to democracy in the face of a natural disaster. “We will rebuild together, and part of that rebuilding starts by making sure our voices are heard at the ballot box,” Governor Cooper added.
With recovery still under way, election officials are even more confident than ever that voter turnout will hold strong and prove that not even a hurricane can stall democracy in North Carolina.
