Event Recap
Board of Elections Meeting Recap: October 28, 2025
The Buncombe County Board of Elections held its regular meeting on October 28, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. The agenda focused on routine administrative approvals, updates on election preparations, and the review of absentee ballots ahead of the upcoming election. The board addressed several key operational matters, including staffing changes, district boundary clarifications, and procedural updates for the November 3 election.
Key Decisions The board took four recorded votes during the meeting, all of which passed unanimously with a 5-0 tally. First, the board approved the meeting agenda. Second, the board approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on October 21, 2025. Third, the board voted to continue the current procedure for absentee ballot review, specifically the practice of not publicly announcing voter names during the processing of ballots. Finally, the board approved 15 civilian absentee ballots and one overseas absentee ballot after their review.
Discussion Highlights Director Corinne Duncan provided several office updates regarding election preparations. She announced that Aaron Bell has accepted the position of Absentee Coordinator, with a start date of November 17. Duncan reported that early voting is proceeding well, with nearly 200 voters having participated so far. Regarding legislative changes, Duncan clarified that recent North Carolina House district changes do not affect Buncombe County, leaving District 11 unchanged. However, she noted that the Buncombe County School Board election process has changed due to new state law; while the election remains nonpartisan, it now requires a primary and general election cycle, with candidate filing deadlines moved to December. Duncan also reported meeting with the county attorney to review the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning personnel matters and disciplinary action, stating that updates would be provided to the board as they become available.
During the absentee ballot review, Deputy Director Neggy Fox outlined key deadlines, including the near-relative request window for ill or disabled voters, which remains open through November 3. The board discussed the policy of not announcing voter names during ballot processing. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on voters, and the board decided to maintain the current procedure pending clarification from the state on legal requirements. Additionally, the board reviewed one civilian ballot that required duplication; the duplication team confirmed that all calls were heard and marks were visible, with no concerns noted.
Follow-ups The Executive Director agreed to seek clarification from the state regarding the policy on publicly announcing voter names during absentee ballot review. The board also noted that the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 3, at 5:30 p.m., specifically to process absentee ballots.
Impact These decisions and updates provide residents with clarity on the final steps of the election process. The confirmation that the school board election remains nonpartisan, despite the shift to a primary and general cycle, helps voters understand the upcoming December filing deadlines. The board’s decision to continue the current absentee ballot review procedure addresses privacy concerns while the board awaits state guidance. With Election Day approaching on November 3, the board’s focus on machine deliveries, the opening of a second early voting site at the Weaverville Community Center, and the processing of absentee ballots ensures that administrative preparations are on track for the upcoming vote.