**Record Early Voting Turnout in North Carolina Despite Hurricane Helene Aftermath**

In Raleigh, North Carolina, early voting saw a higher turnout on its first day this year compared to the same period in 2020, despite ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene’s devastation in the western part of the state. The North Carolina State Board of Elections reported that a record 353,166 residents cast their ballots at over 400 early voting sites statewide on Thursday. This surpasses the 348,599 voters who turned out on the first day of early voting in October 2020.

Even with the population and voter registration increases, Thursday's number represented 4.54% of the state’s 7.78 million registered voters, a slight decrease in percentage terms compared to the 4.78% of the 7.29 million registrants in 2020. The preliminary data is expected to grow as county election boards continue uploading information, according to board spokesperson Pat Gannon.

High traffic and full parking lots were common at voting sites, especially in the densely populated Piedmont counties and the mountainous regions still reeling from severe flooding just three weeks earlier. The devastating hurricane had destroyed numerous homes, roads, and bridges, and disrupted power and water systems. Despite these challenges, no significant issues or voting problems were reported.

Executive Director of the State Board of Elections, Karen Brinson Bell, highlighted voter enthusiasm and trust in the electoral process, noting that "a hurricane will not stop North Carolinians from exercising their right to vote." Clear skies and sunny weather on Thursday likely contributed to the robust turnout.

Hurricane Helene, the deadliest to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005, caused over 246 deaths, with more than half occurring in North Carolina. While power has been mostly restored in the affected areas, tens of thousands of residents still lack access to clean running water. Nevertheless, nearly all early voting sites in the 25 hardest-hit western counties were operational on Thursday.

The early voting period remains significant in North Carolina, with more than 3.6 million ballots cast during this phase in the 2020 general elections. Voters can register and vote simultaneously during this 17-day period, which ends on November 2.

Ahead of the early voting period, traditional absentee balloting had begun, even before Hurricane Helene reached the state. Over 75,000 ballots were submitted by in-state, military, and overseas voters by Thursday.

Alongside the presidential race, North Carolina voters will decide on key positions including the governor, attorney general, and multiple statewide roles. All U.S. House and General Assembly seats are also on the ballot for reelection.