Early voting has commenced in North Carolina amid the recovery from Hurricane Helene, which has severely impacted the state's infrastructure and left many without essential services. Despite the devastation, 76 early voting sites will open across the 25 counties designated as disaster areas, allowing residents to vote in the critical battleground state for the upcoming presidential election. Polls indicate a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, with Trump leading by a slim margin. Election officials encourage voters, especially younger and first-time voters, to utilize early voting opportunities, which tend to have shorter wait times. The hurricane's aftermath raises concerns about voter turnout, but state officials are working to ensure accessibility to polling locations. Both candidates have actively campaigned in the region, acknowledging the ongoing recovery efforts while addressing voter needs.