North Carolina State Board of Elections to give update on elections in western NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- For many western North Carolinians, the upcoming election is the last thing on their minds. But, when Election Day rolls around, the state wants to make sure they are fully equipped to exercise their right and cast a ballot.

North Carolina State Board of Elections is expected to provide an update Monday on the impact of Hurricane Helene on elections in western North Carolina.

With elections just a month away, the State Board of Election reported a dozen county offices remain closed. Many residential mailboxes were washed away.

Officials are not aware of any damage to voting equipment or of printed ballots that have been lost. It's still unclear where people in impacted areas will be able to vote.

Former NC Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr discussed the importance of establishing trust.

"We need both political parties to work together on the election process," he said, "because what we don't want is after the fact...one major party or in one particular race saying, 'the people up here in the western part of the state didn't conduct the election correctly.'"

Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the board of elections, will hold a virtual press briefing and Q&A at 2 p.m. There is also a board meeting at 11 a.m. open to the public.