Board of Elections Meeting | March 6, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Elections Meeting Recap – March 6, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Elections convened on Friday, March 6th, to continue the crucial process of finalizing election results following the recent primary. This meeting focused heavily on reviewing ballots and addressing post-election procedures, marking a significant step towards certifying the official results. The meeting was well-attended and included a dedicated team of election staff prepared to handle the increased workload associated with provisional ballots, particularly given the new three-day deadline following Election Day.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and making decisions on provisional ballots, which are cast when a voter’s eligibility requires further verification. The Board meticulously reviewed each ballot, categorizing them as approved, partially approved (for contests where the voter was eligible), or disapproved. Alongside this, the Board approved a supplemental list of absentee ballots received by the deadline, ensuring all eligible votes were included in the count. They also approved three ballot challenges, a relatively low number compared to previous elections, stemming from issues like discrepancies in same-day registration party affiliations and voter eligibility verification. A unique case involving same-day registration and party affiliation was among those approved, demonstrating the Board's commitment to carefully examining each challenge.

Discussion centered on a notable issue: a considerable number of absentee ballots (143) received after the deadline. Board members acknowledged this significant volume and confirmed that these ballots will be reviewed at a dedicated meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 14th at 5:30 PM. The Board also highlighted a recurring challenge with voters requesting Republican ballots despite being registered as Democrats, emphasizing the need for improved communication and training for poll workers to prevent future confusion. Throughout the meeting, Board members praised the dedication and efficiency of election staff in handling the provisional ballots under the new, tighter deadline.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting. The Board unanimously approved the agenda and continued approval of minutes from previous meetings to a later date. They also approved three ID exception forms that had been temporarily misplaced, ensuring those voters’ ballots would be properly considered. The Board approved the supplemental absentee list and made decisions on a large number of provisional ballots, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring accurate vote tabulation.

Looking ahead, several important action items and dates have been set. A sample audit will be conducted on Monday, March 10th at 10:00 AM and is open to the public for observation. The deadline for submitting any additional ballot challenges is Tuesday, March 12th. The review of post-deadline absentee ballots will take place on Thursday, March 14th. Finally, “Canvas Day,” the official certification of election results, is scheduled for Friday, March 15th at 11:00 AM. Following the meeting, election staff will also follow up with voters who requested party affiliation changes on provisional ballots to ensure their registrations are updated accurately. Residents can find finalized election results and more information on the Buncombe County Board of Elections website, and are welcome to attend any of the upcoming public meetings.