Bipartisan State Board of Elections in Raleigh, NC, Approves Emergency Measures to Aid Helene Victims in Voting for 2024 Election
In a unanimous decision, the bipartisan State Board of Elections in Raleigh, North Carolina, has greenlit a comprehensive set of emergency measures aimed at assisting Helene victims in casting their votes for the upcoming 2024 election. The 5-0 vote, which included members from both the Democratic and Republican parties, follows meticulous planning by the State Board in collaboration with county election officials, public safety and emergency management authorities, and the U.S. Postal Service.
These approved provisions are intended to support not just Helene victims but also North Carolina voters temporarily residing within or outside the state, as well as those currently housed in disaster shelters, in exercising their voting rights. The flexibility granted to county boards of elections in the 13 affected counties allows for adjustments to early voting and Election Day polling locations, the recruitment of additional poll workers, and the adaptation of voter accommodations based on local circumstances. Furthermore, the measures empower election officials to coordinate with federal and state partners in delivering essential election-related assistance to disaster-affected areas, encompassing temporary voting facilities, restroom facilities, generators, and other necessary resources. A key focus of the emergency measures is to ensure that voting information reaches individuals residing in shelters and the broader Western North Carolina region, with utmost care taken to uphold the election’s integrity and ballot security.
Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, emphasized that these measures have been implemented to guarantee that Helene victims can participate in the forthcoming election and equip election officials in severely impacted regions with the tools required to conduct a secure voting process amid challenging conditions. Bell affirmed the resilience of election officials and their unwavering commitment to facilitating a successful and inclusive voting experience for the residents of Western North Carolina.
For detailed guidance on voting after the Helene disaster, individuals can access comprehensive information at NCSBE.gov/Helene.
