Hurricane Helene Disrupts Voting in North Carolina

North Carolina election officials are working to ensure voters can cast their ballots despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which has left 12 county election offices closed and disrupted basic infrastructure just a month before the November elections. Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell noted that absentee ballots face challenges due to U.S. Postal Service delays and significant road damage. The storm has created a 'daunting' uncertainty as early in-person voting is set to begin on October 17, with the viability of voting sites still unknown. Governor Roy Cooper described the destruction as unprecedented, emphasizing the storm's far-reaching implications on the election process. The state's election officials are committed to holding safe elections, as they have done in past emergencies. North Carolina remains a key swing state in the upcoming presidential election, making the situation even more critical.