Election officials make adjustments for counties hit by Helene

By Kim Jarrett, The Center Square, Oct 9, 2024 – Residents in six East Tennessee counties affected by Hurricane Helene will be able to vote absentee or in person, but some of the polling places may be different, according to Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

Early voting begins next week for the Nov. 5 election.

Residents could request an absentee ballot 90 days before Election Day, according to the secretary of state's office. Voters who have lost ballots already mailed, or who need a ballot, should contact their local elections office.

“The devastation experienced in northeast Tennessee is heartbreaking and unimaginable,” Hargett said. “However, I continue to be amazed at the planning and resiliency of our local election officials. We have been working with our local elections administrators – Josh Blanchard, Sarah Fain, Tracy Harris, Dana Jones, Cheri Lipford, and Justin Reaves – throughout the entirety of this disaster, and their unwavering leadership and commitment will ensure this election proceeds as planned, so registered voters have the opportunity to vote.”

Hargett released a plan for the counties affected on Wednesday, which includes:

• The Cocke County Election Commission in Newport has moved to another location.

• The Trade Center polling place in Johnson County may have limited access.

• In Carter County, changes are being made to two polling places temporarily.

• Unicoi County will hold election day voting in the library of Temple Hill Elementary.

• Polling locations in Greene County will be open but should check road conditions.

Hargett's office created a link for anyone in the affected counties that needs information.

Also on Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee said a $2,500 tax credit is available to Tennesseans whose primary residence was damaged or destroyed. The credit is for the purchase of furniture or major appliances. It is only available to people who received financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Lee also extended the deadline for franchise and excise taxes to May 1.

The storm claimed the lives of 16 people, according to an update by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is following up on leads of nine missing people.

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