Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, North Carolina saw record early voter turnout. But as the state picks up the pieces, will turnout remain strong, or will the lingering impact of the storm suppress voter participation?
At a Glance:
- Over 353,000 ballots were cast on the first day of early voting in North Carolina, setting a new record.
- Hurricane Helene caused massive damage, particularly in western North Carolina, which could still depress voter turnout in hard-hit areas like Asheville.
- Some early voting sites in the western part of the state were damaged, potentially complicating access for voters still recovering from the storm.
North Carolina broke its record for early voting turnout on Thursday, with over 353,000 ballots cast statewide. However, the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of western North Carolina just weeks ago, could still negatively impact voter participation, particularly in the hardest-hit areas like Asheville.
Political science professor Christopher Cooper from Western Carolina University cautioned against celebrating the high turnout numbers too soon. Cooper pointed out that while the turnout numbers seem promising, they may not fully reflect the ongoing struggles in hurricane-ravaged areas. “Using early voting numbers to predict an election outcome is like bringing a fishing pole to a home run derby — it’s just the wrong tool for the job,” Cooper explained.
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In 2020, more than 33,000 people voted early in Asheville on the first day, but this year only 8,200 turned out, a clear indication that the storm’s devastation may still be keeping some voters from the polls. Vital infrastructure, including roads and polling stations, sustained significant damage, making it difficult for many residents to cast their ballots.
North Carolina’s Office of Higher Education reported that 10 early voting sites in the western part of the state were damaged or had accessibility issues due to the storm. Election officials have worked to keep voting as accessible as possible, but the challenges are undeniable.
Karen Bell, executive director of the North Carolina Board of Elections, acknowledged the hardships faced by western North Carolinians but encouraged voters to persevere. “One thing Helene did not take from western North Carolinians is the right to vote in this important election,” Bell said in a press conference on Thursday.
The previous record for early voting turnout in North Carolina was set during the 2020 election when over 348,000 people cast ballots on the first day. With Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump locked in a tight race for the state’s electoral votes, turnout this year will be crucial in determining the outcome.
As North Carolina recovers from Hurricane Helene, questions remain about how much the storm will impact voter turnout, particularly in Democratic strongholds like Asheville. While early numbers are promising, the true impact of the hurricane may not be fully understood until Election Day.
