ELIZABETHTOWN — Polling stations in Bladen County officially opened on Thursday with the start of early voting.

“Nothing changed as a result of the hurricane; everything’s proceeding as planned,” said Bladen County Board of Elections Director Cynthia Shaw. “The only change is in registration.”

The deadline for regular voter registration was extended until Wednesday, Oct. 19, for 36 counties, including Bladen. Extension was granted by the State Board of Elections due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew. Voters who didn’t meet the regular registration deadline may still do so during the 17-day early voting period, which runs through Nov. 5. Voters may not register on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Despite dozens of roads still being closed in Bladen County, Shaw doesn’t see access being a problem.

“I think by now people have found an alternative route to get out to take advantage of the one-stop voting,” she speculated. “I don’t think anyone is trapped to the point they couldn’t take advantage during the 17-day period or on election day.”

While access to polling stations may not be a concern, the election itself has voters, state election officials, and law enforcement on edge. Wednesday, the State Board of Elections issued a press release saying that in light of “heightened security concerns this election season, the State Board of Elections has taken steps to ensure the safety of voters, observers, and poll workers during the voting process.

“The agency is in communication with state law enforcement officials to share information regarding election laws, including the requirement that advocacy groups stay within designated electioneering areas outside the voting place. The State Board is issuing guidance regarding conduct expected of individuals outside voting locations throughout early voting and on Election Day. That guidance will be posted on the board’s website at www.ncsbe.gov.”

“I don’t anticipate any problems here,” said Shaw. “I guess the state board is trying to be cautious in every area since the bombing of the Republican headquarters in Orange County. Bladen County one-stops will be secured; we will have sheriff’s deputies or town police involved with one-stops as we normally do.”

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

By Chrysta Carroll

ccarroll@civitasmedia.com