Event Recap
The Buncombe County Board of Elections held a regular meeting on January 6, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. The agenda focused on preparations for the upcoming 2026 Primary Election, including staffing, training, and budget adjustments, as well as the resolution of voter challenges. The Board approved the amended agenda, which included a closed session for personnel matters, and ratified the minutes from the December 9, 2025, meeting.
In terms of key decisions, the Board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve a voting location change for Precinct 57.1, moving the polling site from Emmas Grove Baptist Church to the Cane Creek Community Center in Fletcher. Additionally, the Board voted to tentatively include $67,280 in the FY2027 budget to cover staff and training costs for two additional early voting sites, contingent on finding suitable locations and personnel. The Board also accepted one new Republican Multipartisan Assistance Team (MAT) appointment for the 2026 election and approved the proposed 2026 Board meeting schedule.
Regarding voter integrity, the Board reviewed 25 voter challenges based on death that had been presented at a preliminary hearing on December 9. Challenger Thomas Neubauer was present but declined to testify, and none of the challenged voters or their representatives were present. The Board sustained all 25 challenges, removing the voters from the database by a 5-0 vote. Separately, the Board scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, January 20, at 2:30 p.m., to address a candidate challenge filed regarding a Sheriff candidate.
Staff provided updates on election readiness, noting that absentee ballots will begin mailing on Friday, January 9, and the first absentee meeting is scheduled for January 27. Training for election staff is commencing, with early voting training lasting two weeks followed by four weeks of election day training at 200 College Street and 40 Coxe Avenue. The Board also confirmed that 22 seasonal contract staff members started on Monday and that a new Outreach Coordinator will begin on January 14.
During the discussion, staff highlighted the importance of securing large sites with ample parking for early voting to ensure sufficient capacity. The Board also addressed recent changes to U.S. Postal Service mail cancellation policies, which may impact absentee voting and potentially increase early voting turnout. Staff reported on the filling of poll worker vacancies, noting six dropouts and several reassignments in accordance with Resolution 2025-09.
The meeting concluded with the Board moving into executive session at 5:05 p.m. for personnel discussion with legal counsel. Open session reconvened at 6:20 p.m., and the meeting was adjourned at 6:21 p.m. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., with the candidate challenge hearing occurring on January 20.