NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Early voting is officially underway in North Carolina as of Thursday, Oct. 17.
Despite the challenges in the western portion of the state from Hurricane Helene, polling locations are open across the Tar Heel State for people to make their voices heard.
The Board of Elections Director for Currituck County, Kim Twine, said they've already seen high voter turnout on this first early voting period morning with hundreds coming out to cast a vote.
"We're thrilled to have everyone,” Twine said. “People have been very patient, and they've been very appreciative of the work that we're doing here."
Twine said that even though it was the first morning the polls had opened, the turnout was already quite high.
"Just two hours since the opening of the polls this morning, and we've already exceeded 150 people," she said.
Twine said despite some of the damage Hurricane Helene brought to the western portion of the state, the voting process in Currituck County hasn't been affected.
"We haven't had any voters come in who are trying to vote from one of the affected counties,” said Twine. “We're prepared if they should show up."
She said her office spent the past couple of weeks encouraging voters to come out and vote early.
One of those voters was Tessie Lipscomb, who said early voting has deep meaning to her.
"This is very, very, very important because if you don't vote, you have no word, you have no say," said Lipscomb.
The November election is just about three weeks away, and Twine said they are doing everything they can to prepare.
“I would just ask people to be very patient with us,” said Twine. “We’re happy they’re here. We’re thrilled that they’re here and turning out in numbers as they are.”
Twine said the polls in Currituck County will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the early voting period.
In North Carolina, the early voting period ends Saturday, Nov. 2. Then, the elections office closes at 3 p.m.
Oct. 29 is the last day to request an absentee ballot in North Carolina.
Twine is encouraging Currituck County voters with further questions to call the elections office at (252) 232-2525.