Hurricanes aren't usually a threat to North Carolina's elections process. But with two special elections underway and Hurricane Dorian about to bear down on the state, election officials are taking precautions.
Early voting continues this week in North Carolina's 3rd and 9th congressional districts. And the state's elections board suggests voters take advantage of early voting to avoid possible disruptions such as flooding and power outages.
The early voting period ends Friday. The state's emergency management director says North Carolina could start feeling the effects of Dorian as early as Wednesday night.
The 3rd District makes up most of the eastern coast of the state, while the 9th stretches from Mecklenburg County all the way east of Lumberton.
Gov. Roy Cooper said the state is likely to see heavy rains, winds and flooding from Dorian even if the storm weakens as it makes its way up the coast.
State statute gives North Carolina's elections director emergency powers during a natural disaster. So far weather conditions haven't warranted any such action.