In an ordinary election cycle, Jon Council would be hosting his final fundraising dinner, appealing to local business owners in Watauga County to support his campaign for county commissioner over a hearty meal of spaghetti and garlic bread. However, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which recently wreaked havoc across western North Carolina with severe flooding and destruction, has transformed the political landscape and Council’s campaign approach.
Instead of rallying donors, Council finds himself urgently seeking supplies of winter feed for local sheep farmers devastated by the storm. "We need hay bales, and we really need a truck," he explained during a phone call, highlighting the immediate challenges facing the community.
With just over two weeks until Election Day on November 5, Council, an independent candidate, is grappling with the complexities of campaigning in a disaster zone. The destruction caused by Helene has left many residents focused on survival rather than politics. Polling places have been damaged, communication lines are down, and many people are still unable to leave their homes. "The voting landscape has totally changed," he remarked, acknowledging that the usual campaign discussions feel inappropriate given the current crisis.
The hurricane, which struck on September 26, resulted in at least 115 fatalities in North Carolina, with nearly 100 individuals still unaccounted for. Before the storm, Council and his team were actively engaging with voters about issues such as affordable housing and environmental protection. Now, their efforts have shifted entirely to disaster relief, assisting families in need and delivering essential supplies to remote areas.
As winter approaches and early snowfall is reported, Council is focused on securing fresh hay to distribute to farmers facing food shortages for their livestock. His campaign office, once filled with election materials, is now cluttered with generators, canned goods, and other relief supplies. "Since the storm, I really haven’t campaigned at all," he said, underscoring the shift in priorities.
With the election date looming, Council is faced with the critical question of how to connect with voters amid the ongoing disaster. He is determined to maintain his integrity, ensuring that his relief efforts are not perceived as a strategy for garnering votes. During the day, he dedicates himself to relief work, while in the evenings, he and his campaign manager prepare for the election until late at night.
The election board in Avery County, one of the hardest-hit regions, is actively working to address the challenges posed by the hurricane. Of the 19 polling stations, 14 have suffered significant damage. Election director Sheila Ollis is determined to facilitate voter participation, particularly given the county's strong turnout record, which saw 76% of registered voters cast ballots in the 2020 election.
In response to the disaster, new emergency voting arrangements have been implemented, allowing voters who lost identification during the storm to still participate. The state has also extended early voting days and added polling stations in severely affected areas, although hours have been shortened to ensure safety.
Despite the challenges, Council remains optimistic about his campaign. He feels that his community service efforts may resonate more profoundly with voters than traditional campaign strategies. "Honestly, I think it’s a stronger form of canvassing for someone to say, ‘Oh, that’s the guy that brought that generator,’" he noted.
Regardless of the election's outcome, Council expresses a sense of pride in prioritizing disaster relief. "If I were to lose this election because I’m doing disaster relief, helping people get the things they need, I would wear that like a badge," he stated, reflecting his commitment to the community he serves.
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