Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene have wreaked havoc on Florida and surrounding states, leaving behind not just destruction but also significant complications for the upcoming elections. With the nation gearing up for the presidential race, these storms have raised valid concerns about voters' ability to participate amid natural disasters. The airlines of ballots and the logistics of voting have become especially difficult, especially for residents affected by the storms.
Hurricane Helene struck earlier, causing damage primarily across North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Just days later, Hurricane Milton intensified the woes of these regions, particularly hitting the Gulf Coast of Florida as it made landfall as a Category 3 storm. The combination of these two major hurricanes has led election officials to scramble. Many areas have reported power outages, road blockages, and disrupted mail services, creating new obstacles for voters trying to reach polling places.
Jason Roberts, a political science professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, shed light on the situation. He noted, "In some of these more rural locations, the roads are wiped out. They have no good way to get in and out of these places. So sure, I’ve got a polling place I can go to, but can I get there?" His observations highlight how easy access to polling places—crucial for elections—is significantly compromised.
For North Carolina, the state board of elections announced several emergency measures last week. These measures are meant to provide affected voters with extended deadlines for requesting and submitting absentee ballots. Voters can now return absentee ballots at election offices located outside their own counties, reflecting the flexibility needed amid this crisis. This adjustment affects 25 of the state’s 100 counties, demonstrating just how widespread these challenges are.
Conversely, early voting is set to commence shortly, with North Carolina's early voting starting this Thursday, even as county boards adapt voting sites and hours as required. A notable example includes Watauga County, where early voting sites will open for weekend hours, making it easier for voters to cast their ballots.
Florida’s response has similar themes, with Governor Ron DeSantis issuing executive orders to broaden mail-in ballot requests and permit the consolidation or relocation of polling sites. According to DeSantis's orders, election supervisors have the authority to make these necessary adjustments as they see fit. Early voting for Florida is scheduled to begin on October 26, but the degree of disruption from the hurricanes raises serious questions about turnout.
Despite these efforts, advocates continue urging for more substantial responses and flexibility. For example, South Carolina managed to secure a one-week extension for voter registration deadlines following Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. Yet, two federal judges recently declined requests to alter the registration deadlines for Florida and Georgia, where many residents are still struggling to recover from the storm's devastation.
From the standpoint of citizens, Cecile Scoon and Debbie Chandler, co-presidents of the League of Women Voters of Florida, expressed concern over these decisions. They stated, "Floridians should not have to juggle fleeing for their lives and protecting their property with fulfilling their civic duties.” Their sentiment reflects the anxiety felt among voters who wish to engage in the democratic process but feel hindered by the circumstances.
The resilience of voters is palpable, though. Election workers and officials are fully aware of the imperative to maintain the voting process, and many are working tirelessly to adapt. According to Florida Atlantic University political science professor Kevin Wagner, "It’s often challenging to reach voters during these times. Traditional modes of communication are not available, and voters aren’t as receptive to political messaging during times when they’re focused on their families and their homes.”
The stakes are particularly high as the upcoming presidential election is incredibly competitive, especially across battleground states like North Carolina and Georgia, where polling averages indicate races could be decided by narrow margins. Polling data from organizations like The Hill and Decision Desk HQ show much tighter races, with candidates vying for every possible vote.
Veronica Degraffenreid, a senior manager at the Brennan Center for Justice, has emphasized the importance of making sure voters do not feel discouraged due to the instability around the elections. "Politics might take a back seat to the human factor," she said, indicating the concentration on personal safety and recovery might overshadow the urgent need for civic participation.
Academic experts predict the hurricane’s impact will likely depress turnout to some extent, with Roberts asserting, "Without a doubt, hurricane impacts will dampen turnout on November 5." On the other hand, Wagner cautioned against underestimations, stating, "It’s also possible it could increase turnout as people evaluate their government’s responses.”
Election workers are drawing from experiences faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the legal challenges occurring after the 2020 presidential election to build resilience amid these crises. Degraffenreid assured voters and community members of their continued efforts: "Are they pressed right now? Absolutely. Are they working really hard and overtime? Yep. They will make it work.”
With just weeks remaining until the pivotal Election Day, these storms have underscored the need for immediate adaptability and responsiveness among election officials. How the election pans out on the ground remains to be seen, but the collective efforts of officials, organizations, and voters will undoubtedly play pivotal roles. With the systems set up, the ballots ready, and the election machinery working to ready itself, who can say what turnout will truly reflect after such natural upheaval? One conclusion seems certain: the capacity of these communities to come together, even when faced with calamity, stands as a beacon of hope as they navigate toward their civic responsibilities.
