Board of Elections Meeting: Feb. 18, 2025

Board of Elections Addresses Potential Office Relocation, Certifies Staff at February Meeting

The Buncombe County Board of Elections convened on February 18, 2025, focusing primarily on a proposed move of their office and recognizing the professional development of key staff members. The meeting, attended by all Board members, centered on critical discussions impacting the accessibility and efficiency of election services for Buncombe County residents.

The most significant outcome of the meeting was the unanimous (5-0) approval of Resolution 2025-02. This resolution formally requests that the Board of Elections and Election Services remain at their current location at 59 Woodfin Place, rather than relocating to 35 Woodfin Street. Concerns were raised throughout the meeting regarding the suitability of the proposed new space, with Board members noting surprise and concern echoed by several Buncombe County Commissioners regarding the potential move. The resolution will be sent to the Commissioners, referencing a previous memo detailing these concerns and the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Board and the County. Director Duncan will also contact County Manager Tim Love to ensure the resolution is placed on an upcoming commissioner's agenda, aiming for a favorable outcome that allows the Board to continue operating from its current location.

Beyond the facilities discussion, the Board also received updates on three submissions to the Election Assistance Commission's National Clearinghouse Awards – focusing on an "I Voted" sticker, contingency planning efforts, and a 2024 video titled “NC Together.” Furthermore, the Board acknowledged the progress of three staff members – AK, Morgan, and Justin – who are pursuing state board certification as election administrators. AK has already successfully passed the exam, which is now a multiple-choice open book format.

While no formal public comments were taken during the meeting, Board members discussed conversations with various community stakeholders including representatives from the Buncombe County Democratic Party, Buncombe County Republican Party, Common Cause, League of Women Voters, and Democracy North Carolina. These stakeholders share the Board’s concerns about the potential move, highlighting its impact on election operations and community engagement. Director Duncan will be sending emails to these groups informing them about the resolution and encouraging their continued involvement in this matter.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. The Board will await the results of their National Clearinghouse Awards submissions, and staff members AK, Morgan, and Justin will complete their certification exams within the next 30 days. Most importantly, residents can expect further developments regarding the Board’s location as they await a response from the Buncombe County Commissioners. The Board will reconvene on Wednesday, March 5th at 3:30 PM to discuss the Commissioners’ response and determine any further action. This meeting demonstrated a unified commitment from the Board to advocate for their operational needs and ensure the integrity of Buncombe County elections, a vital service for all residents.