Board of Elections Canvass Meeting | Nov. 14, 2025

Board of Elections Canvass Meeting Recap: Municipal Election Results Certified

On November 14, 2025, the Board of Elections held a canvass meeting to formally finalize and certify the results of our recent municipal elections. The meeting, attended by all Board members, focused on a thorough review of the election process and ensuring accuracy before official certification. This is an important step in our democratic process, confirming the outcome of your votes and setting the stage for newly elected officials to take office.

The primary focus of the meeting was reviewing and approving the election results, which staff confirmed were accurate following detailed audits of absentee by mail ballots, early voting (including a breakdown by location like the Cox Avenue and Weaverville locations), and election day results. All audits balanced, demonstrating a reliable vote count across the county. The Board also reviewed six provisional ballots, all of which were approved after careful consideration. A brief discussion centered on a situation requiring a manual adjustment to ensure accurate tabulation of write-in votes, underscoring the Board's commitment to precise vote counting.

Beyond finalizing results, the meeting also included a discussion about voter turnout in municipal elections. Board members acknowledged relatively low participation rates and committed to exploring strategies to improve outreach and encourage greater civic engagement in future elections. The Board Chair highlighted the importance of building a resilient election system, particularly given the significant changes and challenges faced by elections staff this year – including staffing transitions, welcoming new board members, launching a new website, relocating offices, and recovering from the recent hurricane. Recognizing their dedication, the Board expressed sincere appreciation for the hard work of election staff throughout these transitions and in ensuring a successful election.

The Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and formally certified the municipal election results at the county level, marking a successful conclusion to this year’s elections. Several action items were identified for follow-up, including a review of minutes from a previous meeting on December 9th and an update from staff regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and facility-related matters. Most importantly, the Board will continue exploring ways to improve voter turnout in future municipal elections, ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in shaping our community.

This canvass meeting represents a crucial step in upholding the integrity of our elections and ensuring that your voices are heard. The Board's dedication to accuracy, transparency, and continuous improvement demonstrates their commitment to a fair and accessible election process for all residents.