Board of Elections Provisional-Supplemental Ballot Meeting

Buncombe County Board of Elections Addresses Provisional & Supplemental Ballots Following November 5th Election: A Recap for Residents

On November 14, 2024, the Buncombe County Board of Elections convened a supplemental meeting to address outstanding matters related to the November 5th election, including provisional ballots, absentee ballot clarifications (often referred to as "cures"), and other related issues. The meeting was necessitated by a compressed timeline due to ballot reprints stemming from candidate name changes and the impact of recent weather events, resulting in a significant workload for election staff. The meeting was attended by the full Board of Elections and focused on ensuring accurate results despite these challenges.

The primary focus of the meeting was a detailed review and adjudication of provisional ballots, which are cast by voters whose eligibility requires verification. The Board meticulously examined over 500 provisional ballots, ultimately approving them with bipartisan consensus. They also approved all presented military and civilian absentee ballots. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around same-day voter registration issues, particularly those involving incomplete information on ballots. The Board also addressed absentee ballots requiring clarification or correction ("cures") and resolved challenges related to voter eligibility. Notably, the Board identified three provisional ballots that could not be challenged due to missed deadlines and is currently seeking guidance from the State Board of Elections on how to proceed with these votes, acknowledging that while they cannot be legally counted, they represent ballots cast by eligible voters.

During the public comment period, a resident inquired about absentee ballots received after the 7:30 PM deadline. The Board clarified that such ballots are ineligible for counting and will be reported in the final canvas, demonstrating a commitment to transparency. A notable exchange occurred when Director Duncan acknowledged the demanding circumstances and praised staff for their diligent efforts to ensure accuracy amidst the compressed timeline. Board members consistently emphasized their commitment to upholding public trust and adhering to legal procedures throughout the process.

Following extensive deliberations, the Board unanimously approved a motion to begin the recount process at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 19th, in the Election Services Warehouse. They planned to work in shifts to efficiently handle the large volume of ballots. The Board also unanimously approved minutes from previous meetings held on October 29th, October 30th, November 1st, November 4th and November 8th. Several action items were assigned: staff was directed to duplicate ballots cast in the wrong precinct, and the Board will seek guidance from the State Board of Elections regarding the three unchallengeable provisional ballots.

Looking ahead, the Board will continue its work with a canvas meeting scheduled for later this week to finalize results and prepare reports. They will also be preparing certificates of election for the winning candidates, pending state certification deadlines. This meeting underscored the Board’s dedication to a fair and accurate election process, particularly in navigating unexpected challenges. Residents can expect further updates as the canvas meeting concludes and official results are certified, ensuring that every eligible vote is properly accounted for.