In the wake of the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Helene, South Carolina will extend its voter registration by eight days, a state judge ruled Friday.
On Friday, the death toll from Hurricane Helene reached at least 223, making it the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina. One of the states most deeply impacted is South Carolina.
Circuit Court Judge Daniel Coble extended the deadline for in-person, online, and mail-in applications until Oct. 14. The decision came following a lawsuit by state Democrats citing hurricane damage as a barrier to citizen participation, The Hill reported.
"Many residents remain without power and internet, and numerous government offices — including those responsible for voter registration — are closed due to the storm's impact," the South Carolina Democratic Party said in a press release.
"Our goal is simple: to ensure that every citizen in South Carolina has the opportunity to register and exercise their right to vote, regardless of their politics, in the face of challenges caused by Hurricane Helene," South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain said.
"We are pleased the voter registration deadline has been extended. This isn't a partisan issue. It's an issue of the public good and ensuring the right to vote is protected for everyone."
The Hill Decision Desk HQ currently gives former President Donald Trump a 99% chance of winning South Carolina. Jimmy Carter in 1976 was the last Democrat to win the state.