# Board of Elections Absentee Board Meeting | Sept. 29, 2026

**Body:** Buncombe County Government — Board of Elections
**Date:** September 29, 2026 3:33 PM EDT (2026-09-29T15:33:17-04:00)

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/3186

## Summary

**Meeting Overview**
The Buncombe County Board of Elections Absentee Board convened on September 29, 2026, at the Board of Elections offices. The meeting focused on operational updates, facility planning, staffing logistics, and the official review of absentee ballots. Executive Director Corrine Duncan provided an overview of current operations, noting that early voting poll worker training has concluded with Election Day training underway for approximately 600 workers. Additionally, six staff members have received federal Elections Assistance Commission (EAC) certification, and logic and accuracy testing for early voting boards is scheduled for October 6 and October 13.

**Key Decisions and Votes**
The Board approved the agenda and the minutes from the September 15 meeting. A significant procedural change was adopted via a motion that carried, rescinding Resolution 2025-8 regarding mismatched CIVs (Civilian ballots). The new resolution aligns with State Board Memo 2021-3, requiring staff to contact voters with mismatched information rather than handling these discrepancies internally as done in previous years. Regarding specific ballots, the Board voted to approve 783 total ballots (574 civilian, 201 overseas, and 8 military) and disapproved 12 ballots due to non-curable deficiencies such as unsealed envelopes or missing signatures. Three ballots with CIV mismatches were removed from approval and remain pending.

**Discussion Highlights**
Significant debate centered on facility planning and administrative processes. Members expressed concern over the delay in moving to the new facility at the JCPenney building, noting it is currently slated only for warehouse storage and not for housing the entire Board. Glenda Weinert clarified that the move from the current warehouse on Cox Avenue is delayed because the project’s affordable housing component did not receive grant funding. Members Jake and Glenda Weinert also criticized the new state-mandated process for handling mismatched CIVs, arguing it adds unnecessary burden compared to the Board’s prior successful methods. Member Jake stated, "I was at a loss to figure out what the value added is of this change... We had something that worked that minimized burden on staff, voters, and board, and this looks like it does just the opposite."

Further discussion addressed ballot integrity and staffing. Member Jake questioned the requirement for staff to re-seal unsealed envelopes, arguing it adds burden, while Glenda Weinert countered that sealing is necessary for voter privacy. She stated, "It’s private information. It’s your vote. It needs to be cared for with the utmost integrity. And it’s simply sealing the ballot." On staffing, staff reported that while early voting positions are mostly filled, there are vacancies for Election Day judges, particularly among Republicans, which staff are working to fill with party-approved or unaffiliated voters.

**Community Input and Member Inquiries**
During the meeting, Member Jake inquired whether Board members should also complete the EAC certification course. Director Duncan recommended it, noting the course is brief and relevant. Members also raised concerns about the empty status of the current warehouse at 50 Cox Avenue, which houses voting equipment, given the uncertainty surrounding the move to the new facility. The Board directed staff to clarify with the County Manager’s office whether the new facility will house the entire Board or just the warehouse, though no specific timeline for this clarification was established.

**Follow-ups and Next Steps**
The Board agreed to a schedule change suggested by Member Courtney, moving the machine testing for early voting boards to 1:30 PM on October 6, prior to the 3:30 PM absentee ballot review. Board members are scheduled to attend this testing at 50 Cox Avenue, followed by the absentee ballot review at 35 Woodfin. Staff will contact voters regarding the three pending CIV mismatches and will review those ballots again at the next meeting if they are cured. Additionally, staff will provide an update on Election Day judge vacancies at the meeting on October 20.

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTAinmRb17E
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/2138/segments

## Sources

- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTAinmRb17E)