Republican Raises Concerns About Voting Access in Areas Hit By Hurricanes
SUMMARY
Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) voiced concerns about voting access in areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with the election only weeks away. Millions are still without power or reliable transportation, and many polling sites in Florida and North Carolina have been damaged. Edwards urged voters to plan ahead and request absentee ballots if they expect difficulties voting in person. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis granted flexibility in distributing mail-in ballots and adjusting polling sites in the hardest-hit areas. Concerns are growing that some voters won’t receive mail-in ballots due to displacement and storm damage. Edwards also criticized the Biden administration's slow response to the hurricanes, giving it a "C-minus" for the delayed arrival of FEMA and emergency supplies. He noted that while the storm ended Friday morning, it wasn't until Tuesday that significant federal assistance reached affected areas.
