**North Carolina Election Officials Gear Up Amid Hurricane Helene's Aftermath**

North Carolina election authorities are working tirelessly to ensure voters in this vital swing state can cast their ballots despite the heavy toll Hurricane Helene has taken on infrastructure right before the November election. Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the state's election board, reported that 12 county election offices in the severely affected western part of the state remain closed due to the unprecedented damage caused by the storm. Complicating matters further, absentee ballots face challenges such as U.S. Postal Service delays and damage to roads and residences, potentially rendering them undeliverable.

Brinson Bell described the situation as "daunting," with early in-person voting set to begin on October 17. Nevertheless, she assured the public that efforts are being made to navigate these emergencies effectively. "We've battled through hurricanes and tropical storms and still held safe and secure elections," Brinson Bell said, expressing confidence in the resilience of both the state's election officials and the voters.

Hurricane Helene, which struck large areas of the Southeast, caused devastation described as "beyond belief" by Governor Roy Cooper, particularly in Asheville and other parts of western North Carolina. The destruction poses significant concerns due to North Carolina's status as one of seven key swing states in the upcoming presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.

Asheville, the most populous city in the disaster-declared 25-county region, is a Democratic stronghold, while the surrounding counties lean Republican. The impact of the storm on this balance remains to be seen, with potential ramifications for statewide races, including a high-stakes contest for governor.

Emergency workers continued rescue efforts in the Southeastern U.S., and election officials in Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia are also assessing damages and their potential impact on voting procedures. Georgia has resumed election operations despite some offices facing power outages and infrastructure damage, and absentee ballots are scheduled to go out on October 7 as planned.

In response to the crisis, North Carolina officials are considering moving or combining voting locations if some become inaccessible. Special accommodations are also being made for absentee voters who may not receive their ballots due to the storm. Paul Cox, general counsel for the North Carolina State Board of Elections, encouraged displaced voters to request their absentee ballot be sent to a new location or track their ballot through the state's BallotTrax service.

Voters also have the option to wait and vote in person during the early voting period from October 17 to November 2 or on Election Day, November 5. Disaster-declared counties will have provisions for voters who have lost their ID, allowing them to complete an exception form to cast their ballot.

Officials are considering further measures, such as extending the absentee ballot deadline or expanding the use of an online voting portal. The U.S. Postal Service is still assessing damage but remains in communication with local election boards to ensure the safe transport and delivery of election mail.

Asheville resident Kelly Godfrey, among the few who returned absentee ballots before the storm, emphasized the need for updated procedures to aid displaced voters. However, she acknowledged the risk of misinformation and voter fraud claims that such changes could precipitate. Meanwhile, she noted, immediate concerns like food and water are uppermost in residents' minds.

Election officials also reported no known damage to election offices, voting equipment, or stored ballots but are coordinating with tabulation machine vendors in case repairs or replacements are needed.