Election Administration Priorities in the Wake of a Natural Disaster
By hannah fried
October 24, 2024
The human toll of natural disasters, like what many have just experienced with Hurricanes Helene and Milton, is grave. These storms also can and do wreak havoc on election systems and our election administration – displacing voters, damaging infrastructure, and potentially disenfranchising voters who have just survived the unthinkable. But election officials have tools to ensure voter access isn’t compromised. I’ve read about the heavy lift elections officials in North Carolina have undertaken to keep voting on track in storm-ravaged parts of the state – and while All Voting is not on the ground in North Carolina, we are in Florida, Georgia, and other states that have recently been impacted by natural disasters. What we are focused on as an organization is what election officials can do now to help preserve voter access in the face of catastrophes like these. One of the most important steps election officials can take is extending voter registration deadlines, especially in affected counties, so those who have been displaced can still get registered. And offering online voter registration makes it even easier for people to update their information without needing to visit a local office.
Next, clear, consistent communication is essential. Election officials must collaborate across jurisdictions to ensure displaced voters know their options, whether they’ve temporarily relocated or are still navigating the chaos. Both state and local governments should conduct outreach to voters who are displaced by disaster and offer information about how to cast a ballot if you are away from home, either through PSAs on radio and local TV, social media, or other channels in the state and in neighboring states to which voters may have temporarily sought shelter. Bilingual outreach through social services and local media can provide clear instructions, especially for non-English-speaking communities. Meanwhile, poll workers and election officials must be trained to address the unique challenges these voters face, ensuring that they know their right to stay registered in their hometowns, even if they’ve had to relocate temporarily.
Finally, logistical preparation is crucial. Election officials should assess damage to polling places immediately, secure ballots in advance, and make sure they have enough poll workers for Election Day now. Backup plans for relocating polling sites should be discussed in advance wherever possible. It’s critical to maintain voting locations for both early voting and Election Day. Even if sites need to be relocated due to damage, it’s important to avoid consolidating locations, as this can create confusion for voters and overburden voting locations, causing long lines to vote. This preparation will allow for rapid response that will, in turn, help maintain voter confidence, as will ensuring ballots and equipment are properly protected. With additional resources to process registrations and communicate with impacted voters, along with protecting polling sites, we can make sure that even in the face of a disaster, every voter has the chance to be heard.