Board of Elections Special Meeting | May 28, 2026

Board of Elections Special Meeting Recap: May 28, 2026

On May 28, 2026, the Board of Elections held a special meeting to address several pressing matters impacting election operations and facility access. The meeting, attended by Board members Jake, Courtney, Marianne, and Chair (unspecified), along with Executive Director Corrine, focused primarily on refining access protocols to Election Services facilities and addressing ongoing operational updates. No public comments were received during the meeting, though the Board is actively monitoring feedback from a community survey regarding the early voting plan.

The most significant decision of the meeting centered on a resolution concerning badge access to Election Services facilities, particularly the warehouse. After extensive discussion and revisions, the Board ultimately voted to approve a revised resolution that explicitly prohibits badge access for board members to the warehouse. Board members will still be able to visit Election Services offices during business hours, requiring a knock if arriving outside of those hours. The resolution also defines "high security spaces" to include the warehouse and areas requiring both a badge and a code, further reinforcing security protocols. A point of contention during the debate was whether board members should be required to notify the Executive Director before visiting the office, ultimately this requirement was removed from the final resolution. Board member Jake raised concerns about the cost-benefit analysis of granting access, emphasizing optics and potential disruption to staff. Executive Director Corrine defended the changes, stressing the importance of respecting the chain of command and maintaining security.

Beyond badge access, the meeting included several important updates from Executive Director Corrine. Buncombe County has assigned all county employees to emergency management roles, with Election Services designated as shelter support. The purchase of the JCPenney building by Buncombe County for emergency services will necessitate a facilities meeting on June 18th, where Board members Sally and Glenda will participate. Corrine also reported a high volume of responses (534) to the early voting plan survey, driven by promotion from WLOS. Finally, efforts are ongoing to re-establish contact with UNCA regarding potential voting site options.

Looking ahead, several key action items have been identified. A facilities meeting is scheduled for June 18th to discuss the JCPenney building acquisition. A follow-up meeting is planned for June 23rd to review the outcomes of that meeting and address any outstanding issues. Corrine will continue pursuing contacts with UNCA, and the Board will continue monitoring responses to the early voting plan survey.

This meeting highlighted the Board’s commitment to both oversight and maintaining a secure and professional environment for Election Services staff. The revised badge access resolution reflects a balance between ensuring board member awareness and respecting the operational needs of the Election Services team, particularly concerning sensitive areas like the warehouse. Residents can expect further updates on these matters during the June 23rd follow-up meeting and as information from the early voting plan survey becomes available.