Hurricane Helene Spurs Record Voter Turnout in Key Swing States

Despite the devastation, North Carolina and Georgia see unprecedented early voting numbers ahead of a crucial election.

Hurricane Helene caused significant destruction in the southeastern US, especially impacting North Carolina and Georgia, two key battleground states.
North Carolina has seen its highest early voting turnout ever, with over 4 million ballots cast, surpassing previous election years.
Efforts to accommodate displaced voters, including extended early voting and relaxed absentee ballot rules, have mitigated potential turnout suppression.
In North Carolina, Democrats have outperformed Republicans in early voting in the counties hardest hit by the hurricane, posing challenges for Trump's campaign.
While early voting among women and suburban voters shows positive trends for Democrats, lower turnout among Black voters remains a concern for Harris's campaign.