North Carolina candidates juggle disaster relief and elections after Hurricane Helene

With western North Carolina still reeling from Hurricane Helene, candidates must balance disaster response with campaigning as damaged infrastructure complicates voting.

Ed Pilkington reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Hurricane Helene severely damaged polling stations, disrupted internet and power and left some voters stranded, complicating election efforts.
• Local candidate Jon Council shifted from campaigning to disaster relief, delivering essential supplies to affected residents while preparing for the upcoming election.
• Emergency voting rules, including eased ID requirements and alternative polling stations, have been implemented in the hardest-hit areas to facilitate voting.

Key quote:

“If I were to lose this election because I’m doing disaster relief, helping people get the things they need, I would wear that like a badge.”

— Jon Council, candidate for county commissioner

Why this matters:

As natural disasters intensify, communities face tough decisions about balancing electoral integrity with urgent relief efforts. The resilience of both voters and the system is being tested as election officials work to ensure participation despite widespread damage.

Floods and disinformation threaten Black voter turnout in the wake of Hurricane Helene