Power at the polls: Polling places outfitted with generators in wake of Zeta damage

Published 1:41 pm Monday, November 2, 2020

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Even on Election Day, much of Dallas County is still without power after the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Zeta.

As of noon Saturday, 14,400 were still without service, according to a statement issued by Alabama Power.

A social media post from the company stated that 95 percent of customers should have their power restored by Tuesday, but in harder hit areas, including Dallas County, power may not be fully restored until later in the week.

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While many citizens may not have power at their homes this Election Day, Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn said action has been taken by both local and state agencies to ensure voters have access to the polls tomorrow.

According to Nunn, the county has received assistance from the Alabama Secretary of State’s office and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to outfit the county’s 29 precincts with generators.

As of Monday morning, Nunn said 25 of 29 precincts have received a generator and that in the event of a failure, 15 more generators are at the ready.

“We have been working all weekend,” said Nunn. “Everybody has participated to solve this problem.”

The Probate Judge commended all agencies involved for their effort over the weekend to make sure Election Day goes as smoothly as possible.

“The fact that we have so far been able to ensure 25 of 29 polling places will have power over the weekend is a reflection of everyone working together,” said Nunn.

Nunn assures voters that there is nothing to fear tomorrow and encourages voters to proceed to their usual polling places.

“There will be no type of hindrance between voters and the polls Tuesday,” he said. “I am fully confident that Dallas County has more than enough resources to ensure that everyone is able to exercise their constitutional right to vote on Election Day.”