Historic Floods Cripple Voting in Western North Carolina Just Days Before Election

October 2, 2024
Historic Floods Cripple Voting in Western North Carolina Just Days Before Election
  • Historic floods have severely impacted western North Carolina just days before the presidential election, creating significant challenges for voters.

  • In response to the flooding, the U.S. Postal Service has suspended mail service across much of the region, complicating ballot distribution.

  • This area, while largely rural, is home to a substantial portion of North Carolina's nearly 7.7 million registered voters, including 570,000 in counties currently experiencing power outages.

  • As of the end of September 2024, 14 election offices in the region are closed, leading to uncertainty around voting logistics.

  • County officials are struggling to secure accessible early voting sites, as many locations may have been destroyed or rendered unusable by the floods.

  • With the voter registration deadline approaching on October 11, there is an urgent need for effective outreach to displaced voters.

  • Despite the pressing circumstances, there are no current plans to extend voter registration deadlines or implement measures similar to those taken after Hurricane Florence in 2018.

  • Additionally, the remnants of Hurricane Helene have disrupted the mailing of absentee ballots, necessitating their reprinting due to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s withdrawal from the race.

  • In Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, the electorate is heavily Democratic, contrasting with other counties that are dominated by Republicans or unaffiliated voters.

Summary based on 1 source


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North Carolina Officials Begin Post-Helene Election Planning

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