Maintaining Election Operations in the Face of Natural Disasters - September 16, 2025

On September 16, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Elections, under the Committee on House Administration, convened a critical hearing titled "Maintaining Election Operations in the Face of Natural Disasters." This session, held at 2:00 p.m. ET in Room 1310 of the Longworth House Office Building, addressed the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other climate-driven hazards—to the nation's electoral processes. With natural disasters increasing in frequency and severity, the hearing examined strategies for election administrators to uphold voter access, ballot security, and operational continuity during crises. Witnesses shared real-world experiences from states frequently impacted by such events, highlighting best practices like contingency planning, interagency coordination, and technological innovations to mitigate disruptions. The discussion underscored the need for federal support to protect democratic integrity, ensuring that no American is disenfranchised by unforeseen calamities.Witnesses
The Honorable Cord Byrd, Secretary of State of Florida
Ms. Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections
The Honorable Trey Hargett, Secretary of State of Tennessee
Mr. Stacy Eggers, Director of Elections, Georgia Secretary of State’s Office