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Even as Carter County residents are working to restore their lives in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, the Nov. 5 election is still on some voters’ minds.

County officials said during a press conference on Monday governmental offices are officially closed through Wednesday, but people are trying to take care of normal business.

“People have shown up at our door and we are trying to accommodate them as best as possible,” Carter County Administrator of Elections Tracy Tanner-Harris said in an email Tuesday. She expects the office will resume regular office hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

“We recognize this may be the last thing on people’s minds at a time like this,” she said.

Carter County residents must register to vote by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, to be eligible to cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election. 

Hurricane Helene’s devastation notwithstanding, Harris said in a release registering is otherwise easy, and checking your registration status can be securely done with the Secretary of State’s online voter registration system, GoVoteTN.gov, or the GoVoteTN App.

Using a computer, phone, or tablet, citizens with a driver’s license or a photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security can register in a matter of minutes. 

“When you don’t vote, you turn over the keys of power to those that do vote. In Tennessee, we want every eligible Tennessean to vote, but first, you must register to vote,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “To make your voice heard in the upcoming election, Tennesseans must register or make sure their registration is current before the deadline.”

Voters can also download a paper voter registration application at GoVoteTN.gov. Completed paper voter registration applications must be mailed to your local county election commission office or submitted in person. Mailed voter registrations must be postmarked by Oct. 7. Election Day registration is not available in Tennessee. 

Early voting for the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election begins Wednesday, Oct. 16, and runs through Thursday, Oct. 31. For more information about early voting and other election information, visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov or contact the Carter County Election Commission.