Just the Facts

SBE director releases statement on election processes

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(Supplied Content)

Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, addressed concerns at press conferences this week regarding voting in the upcoming Nov. 5 general election.  

“This storm is like nothing we’ve seen in our lifetimes in Western North Carolina. The destruction is unprecedented, and this level of uncertainty this close to Election Day is daunting.

“I keep hearing people say that ‘mountain people are resilient and tough.’ I agree wholeheartedly and know without a doubt this to be true. While raised in eastern North Carolina, the mountains are my adopted home – I’m a graduate of UNC-Asheville, and I lived and worked in Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania counties for 20 years of my life. My first job in elections administration was with the State Board as field support to the 12 westernmost counties in our state. I’ve driven the roads that no longer exist; I’ve frequented restaurants and shops that are washed way; I’ve likely picked out Christmas trees from a farm where the trees are uprooted; and, I know people who have homes that are damaged and are suffering in this tragic situation.

“Mountain people are strong and the election people who serve them are resilient and tough, too. Just go back to 2020, when we held an incredibly successful election with record turnout during the Covid pandemic. We’ve battled through hurricanes and tropical storms, too, and still held safe and secure elections. And we will do everything in our power to do so again.

“I’ve been overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the offers of help from county boards of elections in parts of the state not affected by the storm to help their colleagues in western North Carolina. And I know that support will continue.

“Our continued thanks go out to all of the emergency responders, county election officials, and everyday individuals who are stepping up to assist western North Carolinians. We especially appreciate reporters from Western North Carolina who are participating today under very tough conditions where you live. Because of the dedication and determination of these individuals and organizations, today all 100 county boards of elections in our state are open to the public.

“This morning, [Oct. 7] significant strides were made in our Helene response as it pertains to voting and the 2024 general election.

“The State Board met earlier today and approved an extensive set of emergency measures designed to facilitate voting for Western North Carolinians most affected by Helene. The bipartisan board – comprised of Republicans and Democrats – voted unanimously on these measures. They were drafted in close coordination with county election officials, public safety and emergency management officials, and the U.S. Postal Service, among others. The emergency provisions are designated for Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey counties as they remain severely disrupted as a result of the disaster and will continue to be disrupted through the election.

“Put simply, these measures will help eligible voters in the affected areas cast their ballot either in-person or by mail. And they will help county boards of elections in Western North Carolina administer this election under extraordinarily difficult conditions. …

“Finally, we have every intention of starting early voting as scheduled on Thursday, Oct. 17, in all 100 counties. Early voting may look different than expected in some of the 13 hardest hit counties, but it will go on. We also will continue to work with emergency management officials, the county boards of elections, and the U.S. Postal Service to ensure robust voting options for absentee and Election Day voting. Our commitment and support of elections in North Carolina, particularly for the affected counties, does not end with a single board meeting and resolution. Today’s actions allow us to move forward, adapt to the circumstances these counties and voters face, and ensure every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot in a safe and secure manner.

“We are also in contact with our voting systems and ballot printing vendors, and they stand ready to assist as needed if any issues arise.”

IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES

  • Friday, Oct. 11, 5 p.m. – Voter registration deadline
  • Thursday, Oct. 17 – One-Stop Voting begins
  • Tuesday, Oct. 29 – Last day to request an absentee by mail ballot
  • Saturday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m. – One-Stop Voting ends
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 5 p.m. – Last day to return an absentee by mail ballot
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. – General Election Day

For more information about voting, how to assist, and the election, visit https://maconnc.org/board-of-elections.html.