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By Faye James
US news reporter
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Flooding in parts of the Southwest has disrupted Election Day plans.
Floodwaters were receding in some parts on Monday, but the risk remained as residents dealt with evacuations, washed-out roads and damaged bridges. Hundreds of people have been evacuated, at least one person has died in floodwaters and police suspect a second death was weather-related. Officials warned recovery could take weeks.
Colorado officials moved a voter center and a ballot drop box in Archuleta County, while Utah authorized electronic ballot returns for some residents of San Juan County who cannot reasonably reach a polling place or drop box. Arizona warned that flooded roads could affect access to voting locations. New Mexico officials said polling places would open as planned.
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The National Weather Service said isolated downpours remained possible across the Four Corners region, where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet. Former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief scientist Ryan Maue estimated that more than 20 trillion gallons of rain fell across the Four Corners states and Nevada over two weeks.
Newsweek has requested comment from election officials in Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico via email outside office hours.
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Colorado: Archuleta County Moves Voting Locations
In Pagosa Springs, flooding from the San Juan River inundated downtown streets. The river reached 16.81 feet on Sunday, about a foot below the level that nearly destroyed the town in 1911, before receding Monday. A house was swept from its foundation and struck a pedestrian bridge, while floodwaters damaged a road bridge west of town.
The voter center originally planned for the Ross Aragon Community Center has moved to the Archuleta County Courthouse, at 109 Harman Park Drive. It is open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Pagosa Springs Town Hall ballot drop box is closed; a mobile drop box is available in the parking lot at 10 Solomon Drive.
Archuleta County voters can also use the joint Archuleta-La Plata voter center at Pine River Library in Bayfield and request a replacement ballot with local contests. At voter centers outside their home county, they can request a replacement ballot with statewide races only. Mail ballots can be returned to any Colorado drop box or voter center by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
In La Plata County, officials said voting locations remained open. Mobile voting teams were arranged to bring ballots to voters at shelters. Residents unable to reach a voting location or return a ballot because of an evacuation or road closure should check with county election officials about their options.
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Utah: Electronic Ballots for Some San Juan County Voters
Utah’s lieutenant governor declared an emergency election accommodation for San Juan County residents whose travel has been affected by flooding. Voters who cannot reasonably reach a polling place or drop box can request to return a ballot electronically. Voters should check with county election officials to confirm eligibility and instructions.
Flooding has affected remote areas near Montezuma Creek on the Navajo Nation, where some access routes washed out.
Arizona: Check Roads Before Traveling
The Arizona Secretary of State’s voting-location information warns that flooding may affect roads and access to polling places and advises voters to check for updates before traveling.
Record rainfall was reported in parts of the state, including 7.3 inches over two days at Workman Creek, near Phoenix, and 5.15 inches in Flagstaff. Emergency rescues were reported in Sedona and southern Arizona, while flooding and debris forced highway closures around Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.
The state’s notice warns of possible access issues but does not list a statewide polling-place relocation. Voters should check their county’s latest updates and avoid traveling on roads officials have closed.
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New Mexico: Polls Set to Open as Planned
Evacuations were ordered along New Mexico’s San Juan River, which officials said was still rising and could crest Tuesday or Wednesday. The village of Chama was also evacuated and cut off by road closures.
The New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office said polling locations would open as planned and remain accessible. Voters should check the state’s voter information portal or county election notices for location details.
Florida: Flooding Relocates Polling Places
Florida’s Division of Elections listed polling-place changes under an emergency order responding to fall flooding. As of its November 2 update, relocations were listed in Brevard, Indian River, Highlands, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties.
The temporary locations include community centers, government buildings and other nearby venues. Voters in affected areas should verify their assigned polling place before traveling, as the state said its list could change.
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