By Sohaib Shams
Flash flooding, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes forced election officials to relocate polling places in several states on Tuesday, complicating voting in key midterm races.
Florida hit hardest by flash floods
At least 18 polling locations were moved across seven Florida counties after up to 22 inches of rain fell in 24 hours. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for seven Atlantic coast counties. Palm Bay recorded nearly 20 inches in one day.
Tornado damages Oklahoma polling site
In Cimarron County, Oklahoma, a Sunday tornado with 100 mph winds damaged the Keyes Community Center, prompting officials to move the polling location. The National Weather Service confirmed structural damage.
Flooding prompts emergency voting measures in West
Historic flooding in the Four Corners region led Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson to declare a state of emergency, allowing isolated San Juan County voters to cast ballots electronically. Colorado's secretary of state authorized online voting for La Plata and Archuleta counties. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs issued a statewide emergency declaration after deadly flooding and record rainfall.
Weather's impact on turnout uncertain
Research shows heavy rain can modestly reduce turnout, but experts say the effect is diminishing with early and mail voting. Campaigns are monitoring turnout closely as the storm system moves east, with flash flood watches in parts of Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Arizona polling centers briefly close
Two Maricopa County polling locations temporarily shut due to power issues, fueling online conspiracy theories before reopening. The closures occurred amid severe flooding in the state.
