RALEIGH, N.C. — In the wake of Helene's devastating path through western North Carolina late last week, state election officials are actively working on a plan to make sure those affected by the storm can still vote come the general election.
According to the State Board of Education, its staff has been in contact with election officials in the affected counties of western North Carolina to "make sure they are safe, to gather information on damage to election and voting facilities and to assess potential effects on absentee and in-person voting."
Absentee voting is already underway across the state, while in-person early voting is set to run Oct. 17-Nov. 2. Election Day is Nov. 5.
In the wake of the storm, the State Board has created a new webpage, NCSBE.gov/Helene, to serve residents of western North Carolina who have been affected by Helene. The page includes "information on county board office closures, tips for voters affected by the storm and basic information about voting in this election."
Officials said they will try to provide printed ballots to voters in areas without internet access or cell phone service.
"“Our hearts go out to all North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene, including our neighbors, friends and colleagues in Western North Carolina,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “When disasters strike elections, we use this mantra: ‘We do not stop an election; we figure out how to proceed.’"
Looking for ways to help the residents of western North Carolina recover from the storm? We've compiled a list of reputable organizations who are providing aid, and you can find it here.
If you would like to donate online to the American Red Cross, you can use the following link: WFMY News 2 is supporting the American Red Cross.