Corinne Duncan: A Hurricane Hero

When Hurricane Helene hit, it didn’t just destroy homes and businesses—it also threatened the ability of thousands to participate in the election. That’s where Corinne Duncan and her team at Buncombe County Election Services stepped in.

Just two days after the storm, Corinne and her staff were back in the office—despite ongoing water shortages, power outages, and widespread damage—determined to ensure that every citizen could still cast their vote.

With 50 people sharing a single portable toilet, coworkers hauling water from their home wells, and fuel in short supply, they managed to:

• Assess 14 early voting locations for storm damage
• Check in with 560 poll workers to confirm their ability to serve
• Find replacement sites for polling locations damaged by the storm
• Expand absentee ballot distribution to meet increased demand

Despite the devastation, Buncombe County still saw an incredible 74% voter turnout. Her commitment to democracy and civic engagement in the face of disaster is a testament to her unwavering leadership and dedication to her community. Corinne, we honor your determination and the resilience of your entire team.