Should You Be Able to Vote With Your Phone? 09/30/24
Sep 30, 2024
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Esther Manheimer, the mayor of Asheville, shares her insights on the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene that hit Western North Carolina, discussing the severe flooding and recovery efforts needed for affected communities. She emphasizes the importance of federal aid and community resilience. Additionally, Bradley Tusk presents innovative ideas on mobile voting, exploring how technology could enhance participation while addressing election security. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI legislation and market movements.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina reveals significant infrastructure challenges with extensive economic impacts and a lack of flood insurance for residents.
Tech entrepreneur Bradley Tusk advocates for mobile voting as a means to improve electoral participation, suggesting biometric verification for enhanced security and trust.
Deep dives
Hurricane Helene's Devastating Impact
Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage across the southeastern United States, especially in North Carolina where the city of Asheville reported unprecedented destruction. The combination of severe flooding and wind damage resulted in significant infrastructure losses, including hundreds of roads and utilities being rendered inoperable. Estimates of the economic impact from the hurricane range between $95 billion and $110 billion, highlighting the extensive costs associated with recovery and rebuilding efforts. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of flood insurance in many of the hardest hit areas, leaving residents without crucial financial support to rebuild their homes.
Challenges in Communicating and Delivering Aid
Communication has been severely disrupted in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Many residents are unable to reach loved ones, and reports indicate that over two million people are without electricity or phone service. Access to affected areas is hindered due to washed-out roads and landslides, making it difficult to deliver essential supplies like food and water. Local officials, such as Asheville's Mayor Esther Manheimer, are coordinating efforts with state resources to restore connectivity and ensure that all residents receive necessary assistance.
The Future of Voting: Mobile Innovations
Tech entrepreneur Bradley Tusk advocates for introducing mobile voting to increase participation in elections, particularly for local and state primaries where turnout is typically low. Tusk argues that leveraging mobile technology could help streamline the voting process, making it easier for individuals, especially young voters and those with disabilities, to participate. His proposed system includes biometric verification and encrypted ballots to enhance security and build trust in the voting process. This approach aims to address concerns about electoral participation while ensuring that the integrity of the democratic process is maintained.
Insurance and Disaster Relief Dilemmas
Former FEMA administrator Craig Fugate emphasizes the pressing need for effective insurance solutions in the face of severe weather events like Hurricane Helene. With many affected residents lacking flood insurance, the recovery process will be both prolonged and costly, straining federal resources. Fugate highlights the potential for changes in federal flood insurance policies and the need for Congress to provide support for rebuilding efforts. He warns that the consequences of inadequate insurance coverage could lead to long-term economic challenges for impacted communities as they struggle to recover.
China stocks saw their best rally in 16 years on Monday, with U.S. ETFs following suit as recent economic stimulus measures boosted investor optimism. Meanwhile, CNBC’s Contessa Brewer outlines the devastation in Western North Carolina after floods from Hurricane Helene left entire communities submerged. Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, has reported at least 35 deaths. Asheville’s mayor, Esther Manheimer, addresses the extent of the damage and shared ways the public can assist in recovery efforts. Then, Craig Fugate, the former FEMA administrator, discusses the ongoing recovery process and how people can help. And Tusk Ventures CEO Bradley Tusk, author of ‘Vote With Your Phone,’ delves into the idea of mobile voting, outlining the process of making voting easier and safer. Plus, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a controversial AI safety bill on Sunday, citing concerns raised by the tech industry that it could push AI companies out of the state and stifle innovation.