HOT SPRINGS, N.C. — Nearly three weeks after Hurricane Helene caused havoc in western North Carolina, the local Community Center in Hot Springs remained heavily soiled with mud. A cautionary paper notice on the door urged visitors to approach with care until the structure could be properly evaluated. The message at the top of the sign stated the issue: inundation from water damage.
Like numerous structures in this small town of roughly 500 residents, the center had been devastated by the flooding. This posed significant challenges for election officials in Madison County, who had intended to utilize the center as one of three sites for early voting.
Finding an alternative location that was undamaged, spacious enough to accommodate voting machines, and had reliable power was an uphill task amid an array of complications that poll workers and local residents faced after the storm wreaked havoc.
Ultimately, the Hot Springs Senior Meal Site was chosen as the new venue for early voting. This adjustment has been a significant change for Dean Benfield, a seasoned poll worker with over 20 years of experience. She noted that the familiar routine at the community center was disrupted, mirroring the chaos affecting many residents’ daily lives. “I disliked seeing that place destroyed,” shared 77-year-old Benfield, referring to the community center she frequented since childhood.
Nevertheless, voters turned out when early voting commenced last week. Benfield, who manages the polling site, described the day as important, with over 50 individuals casting their votes. “Typically, the first day yields only about four or five voters for the entire day,” she noted. “But today has seen a remarkable turnout.”
This impressive participation at the polls in such a small town is just one example of the tremendous efforts being made across the storm-impacted counties of western North Carolina to facilitate the voting process in one of the key battleground states for the upcoming presidential elections.
Even as many residents have been displaced due to flood-damaged homes, with communities cut off due to washed-out roads and compromised power and internet services, both state and local election officials are tirelessly working to ensure that voters have the opportunity to make their voices heard. Several towns remain without running water due to the destruction of entire water systems.
The Hot Springs Community Center was one of the few out of an 80 early voting locations across the region that could not operate following the storm. However, voter turnout since the commencement of early voting last week has been surprisingly high. On the first day alone, residents helped set a statewide record with over 350,000 ballots cast, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. By the sixth day of early voting, more than 1.3 million ballots had been cast, either in person or by mail.
Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the State Board of Elections, has commended local election workers, many of whom experienced personal losses due to the hurricane. She characterized the extent of the damage as unprecedented and recognized the daunting tasks faced by election officials. In the first week of early voting, the process has run largely smoothly, with few public complaints voiced.
“People in the mountains are resilient, and so are the election workers serving them,” she remarked last week.
However, the experience has not been without its challenges. As the media spent two days observing the election process, it became clear that workers were disrupted from their normal operations. Often, they found themselves sharing space with first responders or volunteers involved in hurricane relief. The introduction of new state election rules aimed at enhancing voter accessibility post-storm has also required adjustment.
Director of Elections Jacob Ray in Madison County identified confusion regarding polling locations as a frequent issue. Additionally, the non-functioning phones at their office further complicated communication with voters. Despite the fierce destruction seen in major towns like Hot Springs and Marshall, Ray believes their efforts to keep the election on track have been successful. All of his scheduled poll workers, around 70 individuals, have remained available for early voting and Election Day, he indicated. A recovery plan was in place shortly after the storm had subsided.
This plan included sharing school facilities, such as the A-B Tech Madison Campus in Marshall, with local fire services, which had established an area outside the building for emergency responses and hurricane relief.
As Kent Self, a poll worker at the Marshall site, witnessed the initial damage inflicted by Helene, he wondered aloud whether elections could still proceed. Since then, he responded positively, stating that each day seems to bring better news. “We are beginning to see signs of optimism,” he expressed.
Recovery efforts continue across both counties, with trees that once obstructed main roads now clearing the shoulders of the highways. Construction crews are busy repairing badly damaged structures and repaving streets. In Buncombe County, difficulties in accessing clean water persist, following damages to key pipelines. Although it remains uncertain how the devastation will affect voter turnout as Election Day approaches, any potential decrease could pose a challenge for candidates, especially in light of the Democratic-leaning inclination of the county.
Amid these struggles, many voters remain determined to participate. They managed to navigate detours caused by damaged roads and cope with extended power outages to ensure their voices would be heard during what many regard as an intensely significant presidential election.
In Buncombe County, Susan and Stephen Miller’s home still bore no electricity or running water last week and was affected by black mold from flooding. The couple had spent the weeks since the storm relocating to rental properties to accommodate Stephen’s remote work.
Susan noted that others had to walk considerable distances due to collapsed roads and bridges. Fortuitously, the Millers could drive to the Black Mountain Library for the first day of early voting, where they encountered a crowd of voters. “It did not surprise me, as Black Mountain is quite an engaged community,” she said, noting the library provided a warm haven amid the chilly weather for those still lacking heat at home. “Seeing so many people here is uplifting. I would have stood in line twice as long just to cast my ballot,” Stephen added after voting for Harris.
Despite the challenges, Diana and Richard Rockwell have maintained their tradition of early voting. Due to recovery operations, their usual polling site in Swannanoa was unavailable, so they moved to the Black Mountain Library after receiving notice about the site change.
Excited to vote despite their community’s hardship, the Rockwells helped neighbors stay connected with loved ones after the storm. “You develop friendships and witness kindness that you might not have seen before,” Diana reflected. As Republicans, the couple expressed concern about abortion, immigration, and the economy.
Lynn Ferry, whose house remained mostly intact, completed her absentee ballot and ventured to the Black Mountain Library to submit it. She faced obstacles with inoperative internet service for weeks, and nearby road washouts added complexity to her drive. Despite having to park blocks away from the library, she considered it a minor inconvenience, emphasizing her commitment to ensure that her ballot reached those responsible for counting votes. “I would go to great lengths to ensure my vote counts,” she stated. “It’s vital for each individual to embrace their responsibility in our country.”
