The North Carolina election board has approved changes to voting procedures in areas heavily affected by Hurricane Helene. Residents in 13 counties will have greater flexibility to vote by mail, with options to obtain and deliver absentee ballots in person until the day before Election Day. The ballots can also be dropped off at any county board of elections or polling site in their county. Emergency provisions allow for changes to early voting hours, polling site locations, and the possibility of moving sites to other counties.
Some voting sites have been affected by the storm, with some being used as shelters or inaccessible. The voter registration deadline was not extended, but same-day registration will be available during the early voting period. Despite postal service disruptions, voters can track their absentee ballots and county boards are allowed to hire poll workers from other counties.
Other states have also made changes in response to the hurricane, such as Florida allowing flexibility in election administration and voting procedures in affected counties. South Carolina extended their voter registration deadline, while Georgia is working to ensure that election operations continue smoothly in affected areas. Overall, efforts are being made to ensure that residents in hurricane-affected areas have the opportunity to vote in the upcoming election.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com