Hurricanes Disrupt Voter Registration in Key Swing States

Efforts to extend voter registration in Georgia and Florida face legal and political hurdles as hurricanes Helene and Milton impact millions.

Voting rights groups in Georgia and Florida have filed lawsuits seeking extensions to voter registration deadlines due to disruptions caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Federal judges in both states have denied requests to reopen voter registration, citing insufficient evidence of harm and potential disruptions to election processes.
Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage and power outages, impacting voter registration efforts in Georgia, while Florida faced similar challenges from Hurricane Milton.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order to adjust polling locations and provide flexibility for mail-in voting but refused to extend the voter registration deadline.
Election officials in North Carolina have implemented emergency measures to ensure voting access, including extending absentee ballot requests and adjusting polling locations.