How Did Two Hurricanes Affect Mail Voting and Registration?

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 26 before sweeping through Georgia, the western corner of North and South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. Hurricane Milton formed as a Category 5 hurricane and made landfall on October 10 as a major hurricane, sweeping across Central Florida. As these disasters unfolded, killing over 100 people and destroying property and infrastructure throughout the region, many speculated about the effects they might have on the November 5 election. Did the hurricanes reduce the number of people who were able to either register to vote or to cast a vote by mail? 

Author: Zachary Djanogly Garai

A look at state- and county-level data on voter registrations and mail-in ballot activity in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina before, during, and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

Memo / October 30, 2024
Fill 1