The number of people casting ballots on the first day of early in-person voting in presidential battleground North Carolina exceeded the first-day total four years ago — even as Hurricane Helene recovery continued in the mountains.

Even as the state recovers from a devastating hurricane, more than 350,000 North Carolinians cast ballots on Thursday.

North Carolina broke its record for turnout on the first day of early voting, the state board of elections announced.

North Carolina voters set a first-day early voting record despite ongoing hurricane recovery efforts across the state. Residents cast 353,166 in-person ballots Thursday, the state’s board of elections said,

With the election less than three weeks away, many residents are still reeling from Helene. This has led to some drastic changes to the voting process.