Early in-person voting is about to commence in two crucial battleground states, Georgia and North Carolina, starting this week. Amid legislative changes and the impact of Hurricane Helene, voters may encounter a different experience at the polls in the coming weeks.

In Georgia, early voting begins on Tuesday, while North Carolina will start on Thursday. Here are some key points regarding the voting process and elections in these pivotal states.

Georgia: Changes to Voting Procedures

Fewer Drop Boxes, More Early Voting Options

Following new state legislation enacted after the 2020 election, Georgia has seen tighter regulations concerning absentee ballots and a reduction in the number of drop boxes. This shift is expected to lead voters toward early in-person voting, as election experts suggest that the decreased accessibility of drop boxes may discourage their use. In 2020, many drop boxes were available around the clock, but this year, fewer boxes will be accessible, and they will be located only at election offices or designated early voting sites, typically during regular business hours.

Kristin Nabers, the Georgia state director for All Voting is Local, expressed concern about the accessibility of drop boxes: “The drop boxes have really been made so inconvenient to use that fewer voters are able to utilize them. I don’t want to discourage people from using drop boxes by any means, but I can see why people would think it’s easier to show up in person.”

Conversely, the opportunities for early in-person voting have been expanded. Georgia law now mandates two Saturdays of early voting, with counties allowed to opt for two Sundays as well.

Restrictions on Providing Assistance to Voters

A 2021 law has made it illegal to offer food or drinks to voters waiting in line, a provision that gained significant media attention and was humorously addressed by comedian Larry David in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” While this law has survived various legal challenges, it restricts the provision of snacks or drinks within 150 feet of polling locations. Moreover, the law aimed to prohibit food offers within 25 feet of any voter in line, although a judge has temporarily paused this provision, allowing voting rights organizations to provide assistance to voters enduring lengthy waits.

Efforts to Expedite Election Results Amid Concerns

In an effort to deliver faster election results, Georgia has implemented several changes. By 8 p.m. ET on election night, counties are required to report the results of early in-person and absentee ballots. As Election Day votes are counted, counties are expected to provide regular updates. Georgia’s secretary of state aims for these measures to promote swift, fair, and transparent results.

However, new rules enacted by a Donald Trump-supported Republican majority on the Georgia State Election Board have raised concerns about the post-election process. One rule mandates a hand count of ballots at each voting site, which could potentially delay results. The board has also established rules that allow county officials to scrutinize extensive election materials before certifying results and requires these officials to conduct a “reasonable inquiry” prior to certifying outcomes. Ongoing lawsuits regarding these new regulations have caused alarm among Democrats and voting rights advocates, who fear that county officials could exploit them to contest or delay election results.

North Carolina: Navigating the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Voting

In North Carolina, officials are actively working to ensure that residents affected by Hurricane Helene can still cast their votes. Bob Phillips, executive director of Common Cause North Carolina, expressed concern about potential voter turnout impacts from the storm, stating, “I think there will be a drop-off; it’s hard to really predict how much. But I’m encouraged so far by the response the State Board of Elections has done to educate folks on what to do and how to vote.”

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided updates on relocated polling locations and guidance for voters who may have lost their identification due to the storm. Residents displaced by the hurricane can also request new absentee ballots. Among the 25 western counties significantly affected by Helene, 80 early voting sites had been planned, with 75 set to be operational when early voting begins. Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director for the state Board of Elections, commended the local boards for their efforts to establish polling places amidst the storm’s devastation.

State officials are also working diligently to secure necessary resources, such as generators and portable restrooms, to ensure as many polling locations as possible are operational by November 5.

Voters opting for mail-in ballots should be aware that, unlike in 2020, there will no longer be a grace period for ballot arrival. Ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. ET on Election Day to be counted. Previously, there was a three-day grace period, which has been eliminated in the current election cycle.

New Voter ID Requirements

This election marks the first presidential contest in North Carolina where residents must present identification to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, passport, and student photo IDs approved by the state election board. There are exceptions for voters unable to provide ID; one such exception applies to natural disasters, allowing affected voters to fill out an ID exception form with their ballot. The state election board emphasizes that county election boards must count provisional ballots that include these ID exception forms.

Both Georgia and North Carolina prohibit voters from photographing their ballots. Phillips from Common Cause North Carolina commented on the prevalence of “selfies” in today’s culture: “But there definitely is a law that says no selfies.” He added that voters can still bring their phones into polling places to look up information about candidates, a privilege not available in every state.

As early in-person voting begins in Georgia and North Carolina, voters will encounter a blend of new regulations and the aftermath of natural disasters affecting their voting experience. With changes to drop box availability, new identification requirements, and the ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene, these states are poised for a critical election period. Voters should stay informed about the latest regulations and resources available to them to ensure their participation in the upcoming election.