Hurricanes Helene and Milton Disrupt Voting Ahead of Election

The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton is raising concerns about their impact on voter turnout in key swing states ahead of the presidential election. Displacement of residents in Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia is likely to affect their ability to vote, prompting emergency measures from election officials to facilitate access. In North Carolina, new laws have been enacted to help residents affected by the hurricanes vote, albeit with potential criticisms regarding election integrity. President Biden has called for expedited disaster response funding, while state officials emphasize the need for flexible voting solutions in affected areas. Early voting numbers are down significantly compared to the 2020 election, particularly in swing states like Georgia and North Carolina, which could adversely affect Democratic turnout. Experts suggest that these natural disasters might shift the electoral landscape, potentially favoring Democratic candidates, particularly in North Carolina.