South Carolina Judge Daniel Coble extended the voter registration deadline by eight days at a virtual hearing Friday due to Hurricane Helene.
In-person, online and mail-in applications will now be accepted until Oct. 14.
The decision came after the state’s Democrats filed a lawsuit citing damage from Hurricane Helene as a barrier to citizens’ ability to participate in the general election.
“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.
Several county voter registration offices were closed for days before being able to reopen for registration. Offices in Edgefield, Laurens, and McCormick have remained closed due to the storm, according to the South Carolina Election Commission .
“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.