Uncertainty in North Carolina as Helene hits voter participation

Hurricane Helene’s impact on North Carolina has raised significant concerns about the upcoming November elections in the United States. With more than 100 fatalities reported and millions affected, the focus is shifting from recovery to ensuring that residents can participate in the electoral process.

Political analysts note that North Carolina has traditionally leaned Republican.

Awais Saleem, who teaches journalism at the Lamar University, Texas, told Nukta that Trump in 2020 won 23 of the 25 counties now included in the federal disaster declaration for Helene.

“Trump lost the 2020 election countrywide but he still won the state of North Carolina," he said.

The number of registered voters in the swing state is more than 7 million, according to government data, with the majority concentrated in the worst-hit areas.

Battleground state

North Carolina has not voted for any Democratic nominee since Barack Obama won the state by three-tenths of a percentage point in 2008.

But the state has emerged as a battleground after the withdrawal of President Joe Biden from the race.

Polls indicate a tight race between Trump and Kamala Harris on Nov. 5.

Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is welcomed by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Administrator of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency Deanne Criswell at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, as Harris travels to survey storm damage and meet with officials in the wake of Hurricane Helene, in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S., October 5, 2024. Reuters

Half the voters in North Carolina are supporting Trump in comparison to 48 percent who intend to cast their ballot in favor of Harris, according to a poll by Washington Post.

Political observers have questioned North Carolina's preparedness to hold elections amid disruptions to the postal services, the devastation of polling stations, and missing or damaged IDs.

The U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended operations in much of western North Carolina, raising concerns about absentee ballots. With nearly 250,000 absentee ballot requests submitted, disruptions in mail delivery could significantly hinder voting by mail, particularly in hard-hit areas like Buncombe County.

The State Board of Elections has acknowledged the potential for these closures to impact absentee voting, especially as many residential mailboxes may have been destroyed in the storm.

A drone view shows a pick-up truck partially submerged in the Swannanoa River near Biltmore Village, after Storm Helene hit the area, in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. October 5, 2024.Reuters

Absentee voting is currently underway, with early in-person voting scheduled to begin on Oct. 17.

Moody's has predicted Helene will cause $15 to $26 billion in property damage alone.

AccuWeather estimates the total damage and economic loss could go up to $110 billion.

These figures could make Helene one of the most costly storms in the country's history

Trump's rallies support in North Carolina

Trump campaigned in North Carolina on Friday for the fourth time in a month, as the Republican presidential candidate tries to firm up support in a state he was handily leading a few months ago but is now among the most competitive in the race.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp speak to the press about the impact of Hurricane Helene, in EvansReuters

Privately, two Trump donors and a Trump adviser added that the fallout from the hurricane was a worry. The most affected areas of the state are also among its most Republican.

"If you don't have a home, do you really care about the presidential election" the adviser said, summing up the concerns.

*With input from Reuters