The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left North Carolina's election infrastructure in shambles, raising concerns about voter turnout in a crucial battleground state. The storm destroyed polling locations, disrupted mail service, and washed away absentee ballots, making it difficult for voters to cast their ballots. With the election just two weeks away, officials are scrambling to ensure a smooth voting process, but experts warn that depressed voter turnout could have a significant impact on the outcome.

In North Carolina, where the presidential race is expected to be extremely close, every vote counts. The state's western region, which bore the brunt of the hurricane's impact, could be particularly affected, with many residents still without access to potable water in their homes. Election officials have been allowed to move polling locations and adjust hours, and the state has updated rules for absentee voters, but communicating these changes to voters in the affected areas remains a significant challenge.

The situation in North Carolina highlights the importance of election infrastructure and the need for flexibility in the face of unexpected disruptions. As the nation heads into the final stretch of the election season, the impact of Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of natural disasters on the democratic process.