By Andrew Rice
In local news, election day is today November 8. The Appalachian has compiled a list of tips to help election day voters navigate the elections process. The North Carolina State Board of Elections releases tips like this each election season. Some tips to know include the following:
Polls are open from 6:30am until 7:30pm
Same-day registration is not offered for election day voters. If you are not registered by November 8th, you cannot vote
Photo ID is not required to vote
Voter intimidation is a crime
The full list as well as more resources and information are available through the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.
In state news, some triangle-area hospitals have more patients being treated for the flu than COVID-19. According to WRAL, cases of the flu made up more than 5% of all people admitted to hospitals across the state. Experts say influenza has been on a steady incline since Labor Day, which is an unusually early start for the flu season. Doctors attribute the outbreak to a combination of variables: the end of widespread masking, the beginning of cooler temperatures and indoor gathers and people who have delayed getting the flu vaccine. To help stop the spread, experts recommend staying home within 24 hours of a fever, washing your hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes.
In national news, a hurricane watch has been issued for much of Florida’s eastern coast as officials warn of heavy rainfall and a potential storm surge. According to NPR, subtropical storm Nicole could reach hurricane intensity later this week. Officials warn of a “dangerous storm surge” up to 5 feet with heavy rainfall that could have a lasting effect. Florida governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for half of the state’s counties. The storm is currently maintaining maximum speeds of 45 mile per hour winds and is expected to be hurricane level by Wednesday night.