Board of Elections Canvass Meeting

Buncombe County Board of Elections Canvass Meeting Recap: Finalizing the 2024 Election Results

On November 15, 2024, the Buncombe County Board of Elections convened a crucial meeting known as the Canvass Meeting. This legally required session was dedicated to meticulously reviewing ballots, voter registration records, and audit results from the November 5th, 2024 election, ensuring a fair and accurate final count. The meeting was attended by Board members and staff, as well as several community members who signed the attendance book.

The primary focus of the meeting was finalizing the vote count following a thorough review process. The Board processed a significant number of provisional ballots (1,411), approving 530 after careful consideration. They also addressed 96 failed same-day registrations, a process that involves verifying voter addresses on Election Day. The Board reviewed and approved both absentee (116,046 ballots) and early voting results. Victoria Giaco presented detailed audit reports confirming the accuracy of vote counts across all ballot types, including Election Day ballots. A key portion of the meeting involved decisions on 42 photo ID exception forms, and addressing 15 challenge hearings related to voter registration records. The final certified vote count for the 2024 election in Buncombe County stands at 161,276.

Throughout the meeting, the Board unanimously approved the agenda and ultimately voted to certify the 2024 general election results, officially finalizing them. While public comment was limited, a few voters raised concerns about address verification challenges with same-day registration, particularly in areas like Montreat. Director Duncan acknowledged the extraordinary effort of Board members and staff, recognizing the long hours dedicated to ensuring a smooth election process. The meeting highlighted the complexities of modern election administration, especially considering new state laws and procedures.

Looking ahead, the State Board of Elections is experiencing technical issues that may delay the public posting of final election results online. However, local reports will be available to residents. Board staff will continue making manual adjustments to voter registration records as needed, and the possibility of recounts was discussed (though no requests have been made at this time). The Board will reconvene on Tuesday, November 19th at 1:00 PM at the Election Services Warehouse (50 Cox Avenue) to continue their work.

Why This Matters to You: The Canvass Meeting represents the final, official step in verifying the integrity of our local elections. This process ensures that every valid vote is counted accurately, upholding the democratic principles at the heart of our community. While the complexities of election administration may not always be apparent, this meeting demonstrates the dedication and diligence of the Board of Elections in safeguarding fair elections for all Buncombe County residents.