### Election Officials Scramble to Secure Early Voting Amid Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

Election officials across Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida are racing to ensure that voters can securely cast their early ballots despite the severe disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. The impact of the storm has left many areas without essential services such as power, water, and cell reception, prompting officials to consider various measures to facilitate voting.

Travis Doss Jr., the executive director of the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Elections in Georgia, highlighted the significant challenges they face, including potential delays in mailing out and receiving absentee ballots due to limited resources. "We have no power. We have no water. Cell service is limited,” Doss explained, noting that some of the county's 43 polling locations could be rendered unusable.

Meanwhile, Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, pointed out that the damage extends beyond just flooding. Damaged roads and fallen trees could make some polling places inaccessible. The widespread suspension of mail services in numerous zip codes across the three states further complicates the situation, according to the US Postal Service.

In Florida, Travis Hart, president of the Florida Supervisors of Elections, mentioned that some postal facilities were completely washed away, adding another layer of difficulty. However, Hart is optimistic about receiving the necessary support, indicating that his team is collaborating with Florida's governor's office to secure an executive order to facilitate emergency election measures.

Both Hart and Bell are exploring multiple options to mitigate the impact of the storm on the voting process. These measures include consolidating polling places, extending early voting hours, and allowing voters to drop off ballots on Election Day. Bell also suggested collaborating with state emergency management and the North Carolina National Guard to set up temporary polling stations, drawing from past experiences like Hurricane Dorian.

Another concern is the availability of poll workers amidst the current circumstances. Bell mentioned the possibility of expanding who can serve as a poll worker by seeking emergency authority, a sentiment echoed by Hart, who is considering allowing poll workers from neighboring counties to assist in areas that desperately need help.

Election integrity remains a priority, with systems in place to ensure proper ballot tracking and reissuance for those affected by the storm. Chris Mann of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research emphasized North Carolina's resilient mail voting system, noting that tracking systems like BallotTrax help ensure that votes are accurately counted and linked to the correct voters. Paul Cox, general counsel of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, detailed how voters can spoil and reissue their ballots if needed.

Despite the significant obstacles, election leaders remain committed to overcoming the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene to ensure a fair and secure voting process. "Elections people are resilient, just like the people that live in the mountains," Bell stated, emphasizing their determination to uphold electoral integrity and accessibility.