Board of Elections Meeting: Dec.18, 2024

Buncombe County Board of Elections Meeting Recap – December 18, 2024

The Buncombe County Board of Elections convened on December 18, 2024, to address ongoing operational matters, discuss upcoming changes mandated by state law, and plan for the Board’s relocation to a new facility. The meeting was attended by all members of the Board, along with staff from the Elections Office and representatives from Buncombe County’s Facilities Department. The primary focus of the meeting centered on adapting to new state regulations, preparing for future elections, and addressing concerns surrounding the upcoming move to 35 Woodfin Street.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Senate Bill 382, a recently enacted state law impacting election procedures. Board members voiced concerns that several provisions within the bill – particularly those requiring provisional ballot processing within three days and immediate posting of absentee ballots – present practical challenges that could potentially delay election results. They anticipate needing extensive training to ensure compliance and acknowledged a lawsuit has been filed challenging the legality of the bill. The Board also received updates on ongoing protests related to election processes, currently being reviewed by the State Board of Elections. These protests involved discussions on process service, voter database accuracy, registration of overseas voters, and military voting procedures.

Beyond legislative updates, the Board approved previous meeting minutes and finalized the agenda for the December 18th session. A presentation was given regarding the Board’s budget, which includes a request for $1.5 million and reinstatement of an Assistant Department Director position; finalization is expected in January before submission to county management. Staff also provided an update on the recount process, which has concluded as directed by the State Board of Elections. The office is currently focused on voter registration and archiving election materials from 2020-2024, adhering to established retention guidelines.

A major topic of discussion revolved around the Board’s upcoming move to 35 Woodfin Street. Representatives from the County's Facilities Department presented details of the new space, which will be a shared facility with other county departments. The Board of Elections will occupy a dedicated ground floor area for candidate filing and a second-floor space featuring cubicles, conference rooms, and touchdown spaces. A secure ballot counting area will also be located on the ground floor. While acknowledging the potential benefits of the new location, Board members raised concerns about the prevalence of cubicle workspaces for staff, limited window access in certain areas, and potential impacts on election security due to shared space. The efficiency of the move for both staff and voters, particularly considering seasonal worker volume, was also a point of discussion.

Finally, the Board received an update on the planned County Storage Facility on Canoe Road, which will dedicate approximately 19,000-22,300 square feet to the Board of Elections. This space will include a training area, manager workstations, call center areas, ballot processing stations, and secure storage for equipment. The Board agreed to schedule a meeting in January (likely January 8th at 2:00 PM) to further discuss concerns and priorities related to the 35 Woodfin Street move, before meeting with County leadership.

What’s Next for Residents:

• The Board of Elections is actively preparing for upcoming elections while navigating changes mandated by Senate Bill 382. Residents can expect increased training and adjustments to election procedures as the Board adapts to these new regulations.
• The move to 35 Woodfin Street will significantly alter the Board's operations and voter access. Residents should anticipate changes in location for candidate filing and other services, with the Board working to ensure a smooth transition.
• The Board will continue engaging in ongoing communication and collaboration with county management regarding budget requests and operational changes. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these developments through the Buncombe County Board of Elections website and public meeting announcements.