Our tiny town of Bat Cave, N.C., was devastated by Hurricane Helene. But we will find a way to vote – for our neighbors, community and country.

Biologists and other experts are still struggling to reach areas of western North Carolina wrecked by storms to assess the damage. Some are facing Helene's effects on their own lives. But as early appraisals of the disaster begin, one outcome is clear: Some stretches of habitat in western North Carolina could take decades to recover.

Experts have warned that state residents with private wells should boil or test their water before drinking it.

In September Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, washing away homes, roads and bridges and killing more than 100. It also displaced more than 6,000 people and forced election officials to scramble to ensure the disaster-affected region could still get out the vote.