Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall in Florida within two weeks, leaving a trail of destruction. Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., dismissed any link between climate change and the storms, saying, "There’s nothing new under the sun."

DeSantis seemed to equate hurricane conspiracy theories — which authorities say are causing real harm — with scientists pointing out that human activity drives climate change.

Early voting starts on Monday, Oct. 21, with the general election less than three weeks away. But damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton is forcing some Florida elections officials to make changes so that residents can still cast their votes.

Florida voters and election supervisors in hurricane affected areas will have extra time and flexibility to ensure they still have the ability to vote in November elections after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended several election rules and deadlines in an order issued Thursday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday issued an order allowing voting-related changes in counties hammered by Hurricane Milton, the second time in less than a month flexibility has been given to supervisors of elections because of catastrophic storm damage.