Board of Elections Meeting | Dec. 9, 2025

Buncombe County Board of Elections Meeting Recap – December 9, 2025

The Buncombe County Board of Elections convened on December 9, 2025, to address ongoing operational needs and prepare for upcoming elections. The meeting was attended by all Board members and featured a welcoming of new staff, discussions on election logistics, and crucial decisions regarding voting locations impacted by recent events. This recap provides a clear overview of the key outcomes and what they mean for Buncombe County residents.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing changes in voting locations necessitated by damage from Hurricane Helene and other facility-related issues. The Board unanimously approved several location adjustments to ensure residents continue to have accessible polling places. Specifically, the North Asheville Community Center will now operate from Claxton Elementary School; St. George's Episcopal Church voting will move to Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church; and the Lakeview Senior Center location will relocate to the Black Mountain Library. The Board also confirmed that several other locations, including Fairview Community Center, Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, Riceville Community Center, Newfound Community Center, will remain at their current locations. Looking ahead, the Board is exploring adding Cane Creek Community Center as a future voting location. These adjustments are designed to minimize disruption and maintain voter access, despite the challenges presented by facility availability.

Beyond location changes, the Board engaged in several important discussions regarding election preparedness and operational improvements. They welcomed Aaron Bell as the new Absentee Coordinator, bringing valuable experience from Georgia to bolster the team. Candidate filing is currently underway (concluding December 19th), with 31 candidates already registered, a list of whom is available on the Board's website. The Board also approved staffing recommendations for Multi-Partisan Assistance Teams (MATs), crucial for assisting with absentee voting. Discussions centered on the need to improve security protocols and operational efficiency following recent elections, particularly at the 35 Woodfin location.

Several key points of discussion highlighted areas for future attention. Board members voiced concerns about the City of Asheville’s decision to relocate voting from North Asheville Community Center, emphasizing the importance of a stable and accessible community resource. A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the need to address staffing challenges, with discussions focusing on increasing pay rates for seasonal staff and poll workers to attract qualified individuals. The Board anticipates a compensation study in 2026, which could provide greater flexibility in staff salaries. Finally, the Board discussed a long-term Capital Improvement Plan to replace aging equipment like express voting machines.

What's Next? The Board has several key action items moving forward: they will engage in discussions with City of Asheville officials regarding the voting location issue, explore data on expanding early voting sites to assess potential impact, and continue discussions about staffing needs and budget flexibility in preparation for the 2026 elections. A State Board meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 13th, where board chairs from the region will convene.

This meeting underscored the Board of Elections’ commitment to ensuring accessible and secure elections for all Buncombe County residents. The decisions made, along with the ongoing discussions about staffing and equipment upgrades, will directly impact the voting experience for years to come. Residents are encouraged to visit the Board of Elections website for updates on candidate filings, early voting locations, and other important election information.