NCSBE Amends Guidance, Allows Counties to Expand Voting

WASHINGTON - Today, the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) agreed to expand voting access to areas affected by the hurricane, in accordance with the state legislature's plan.  

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley stated: “North Carolinians who suffered the onslaught of Hurricane Helene cannot also be deprived of their right to vote – and that means expanding early voting sites in affected areas. We are glad to see the North Carolina State Board of Elections has come around to the Republican led legislature's bipartisan plan to expand voter access to hurricane-impacted areas. We will continue to watch and monitor the situation, hold the Board of Elections accountable, defend voting access for hurricane victims, and be prepared to litigate should the board prohibit the expansion of voter access." 

Background:  

• 25 counties in North Carolina were devastated by Hurricane Helene. With rescue and recovery efforts underway, these counties must also have adequate access to vote this election with new and additional voting sites. 
• The NCSBE has agreed to expanded early voting sites in 13 counties.
• We will monitor the NCSBE's efforts to ensure they provide adequate access for affected voters in all 25 counties.