Board of Elections Pre-Canvass Meeting | March 12, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Elections Pre-Canvass Meeting Recap - March 12, 2026

On March 12, 2026, the Buncombe County Board of Elections convened a crucial meeting to prepare for the final certification (Canvas) of the recent election, scheduled for tomorrow. This pre-canvass meeting provided an update on audit results, addressed specific ballot concerns, and laid the groundwork for a transparent election certification process. The meeting was attended by Board members and key elections officials, including Director Corinne Duncan.

Key Decisions & Votes: The Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and acknowledged the positive results of a sample audit conducted in two randomly selected precincts (55.1 and 59.1). This audit, which compared hand-tallying of ballots to machine results, demonstrated a perfect match, reinforcing confidence in the accuracy of Buncombe County’s voting machines. The Board also approved one overseas ballot received by the deadline and, importantly, voted to disapprove 191 ballots that were received after the election deadline or contained unresolvable issues, such as missing witness information. Approval of minutes from previous meetings was deferred until the next regular meeting.

Discussion Highlights: USPS Delivery Times & Absentee Ballots: A significant portion of the meeting centered on 181 absentee ballots received after the official election deadline. The Board discussed data indicating a pattern of these ballots arriving in the week leading up to and following election day, raising concerns about potential issues with USPS delivery times. Given the recent change extending absentee ballot request deadlines to two weeks prior to election day, Board members emphasized the need for voter education regarding mailing timelines. The Board also reviewed a UACOVA ballot, a specific type with a slightly different deadline, and confirmed its proper handling.

Community Input & Voter Education: While no direct public comments were made during the meeting, discussions surrounding late ballots and USPS delivery highlighted a clear need for improved voter education. Board members recognized the importance of proactively informing voters about deadlines and encouraging them to mail ballots well in advance. Ideas were floated for making election information more prominent on the county website and exploring other communication channels to reach voters.

Action Items & Next Steps: The Board has several key actions planned following this meeting:

• Canvas Meeting (March 13, 2026): The Board will convene tomorrow at 11:00 AM to officially certify the election results.
• Challenge Hearings: During the Canvas meeting, the Board will hear three challenge hearings related to ballots.
• Data Sharing: The Board agreed to share data on late absentee ballots with both the State Board of Elections and the United States Postal Service (USPS).
• Website Review: The Board will investigate ways to improve the visibility and clarity of election information on the county website.
• Press Outreach: The Board will consider issuing a press report regarding the late absentee ballots.

This meeting underscored the Buncombe County Board of Elections’ commitment to a fair and accurate election process. The discussions surrounding late ballots and USPS delivery highlight an opportunity for proactive voter education to ensure all eligible citizens can participate effectively in future elections. Residents are encouraged to visit the county website for updated information and deadlines as we approach upcoming elections.