HOT SPRINGS, N.C. — In a pivotal state that may play a crucial role in determining the upcoming presidential election in November, both election officials and voters in western North Carolina are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene while preparing for the polling.
The post-hurricane landscape requires numerous adjustments. Election workers frequently find themselves sharing facilities with emergency responders or volunteers involved in disaster relief efforts. Meanwhile, voters are faced with navigating detours caused by storm damage and seeking election-related information, often in regions with unreliable cellular and internet connectivity.
The effects of these challenges were particularly evident in Buncombe and Madison counties as early voting commenced last week. Residents in Buncombe County, which typically leans Democratic, and Madison County, known for its Republican majority, are still affected by the storm’s impact, dealing with persistent problems such as power outages, destroyed roads, and shortages of clean water. Nevertheless, election officials report an overall encouraging trend regarding the progress of early voting in these mountain areas and across the state.
Here’s a closer look at the preparations for early voting and feedback from voters in these two counties in western North Carolina.
**Elections Officials Navigate Damage and Communication Setbacks Post-Helene**
A number of early voting locations in western North Carolina faced closures due to hurricane damage. One notable shutdown was at the Hot Springs Community Center in Madison County, which sustained severe flooding. Officials opted to relocate early voting to the Hot Springs Senior Meal Site, necessitating adjustments from poll workers who were used to operating from the community center.
The Madison County Board of Elections has received numerous inquiries from voters trying to locate polling places, as noted by elections director Jacob Ray. Communication has been difficult, given that the office phones have been out of order for weeks.
Ray, however, expressed that overall election preparations have proceeded smoothly despite the damage seen in downtown Hot Springs and Marshall. All approximately 70 poll workers are confirmed to be available and ready to assist on election day.
**Record Voter Turnout for Early Voting’s Opening Day**
In spite of the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, voters in North Carolina set a new statewide record on the opening day of early voting, with over 350,000 ballots cast, as reported by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Nearly a week later, the number surpassed 1.3 million, including both in-person and mailed ballots.
At the early voting site in Hot Springs, which serves a community of around 500 residents, lead poll worker Dean Benfield reported a remarkable turnout, with more than 50 voters participating.
“On a typical first day, we might see just four or five voters,” Benfield stated. “But today has been a significant turnout.”
**Voters Overcome Obstacles in the Wake of Hurricane Helene**
Many residents in Buncombe County have characterized this presidential election as one of the most consequential in their lifetimes. Determined to cast their votes, some navigated treacherous roads, extended power outages, and other inconveniences.
Susan and Stephen Miller made the trip to Black Mountain Library to vote on the first day of early voting, despite the difficulties they were facing at home, including no electricity or running water, and the emergence of black mold from flooding.
Susan Miller expressed her astonishment at the long line of voters extending from the library, noting that Black Mountain is a lively community.
“I’m really pleased to see so many people here. I didn’t mind the wait, and I would’ve waited even longer to be able to do this,” Stephen Miller commented after both cast their votes for Vice President Kamala Harris.