NC Congressman Warns of Voter Access Issues After Helene's Impact

In North Carolina, Rep. Chuck Edwards is raising concerns about voter access in his district, which has been significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Approximately 9,200 acres across 28 counties were affected, with 6,000 acres in Edwards' district alone. As Election Day approaches in three weeks, many residents are still focused on recovery efforts, such as restoring power and clearing debris, rather than preparing to vote. Edwards is urging constituents to plan ahead, including requesting absentee ballots or considering early voting options. The North Carolina state legislature has taken steps to address potential voting issues by approving $5 million in emergency funding for the State Board of Elections. This funding aims to help manage the storm's aftermath and allows counties to adjust early voting days and locations as needed. Edwards expressed disappointment with the federal response, rating it a 'C-minus' due to delays in assistance from FEMA following the storm. Despite the challenges, Edwards remains confident in the community's ability to exercise their voting rights. He emphasizes the importance of starting to think about voting now, as many residents may not be aware of the upcoming election amidst their recovery efforts. The situation highlights the intersection of natural disasters and democratic processes, raising questions about how to ensure voter access in times of crisis. As the election nears, the focus will be on how effectively local and state officials can facilitate voting for those affected by the hurricane, ensuring that all voices are heard in the democratic process.