Event Recap
The Buncombe County Board of Elections held its regular meeting on October 21, 2025, at 35 Woodfin Street in Asheville. The session focused on routine administrative tasks, the review of absentee ballots, and preparations for upcoming election deadlines. The Board addressed the transition to a new meeting location, reviewed staffing updates, and approved several resolutions to streamline election processes.
In its key decisions, the Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting, both by a vote of 4-0. The Board also approved Resolutions 2025-06, 2025-07, and 2025-08, which govern the duplication of Uniform Absentee Ballots, the tallying of write-in votes, and the handling of mismatched absentee ballot numbers. These resolutions, which have been in place for some time, were renewed to ensure efficient processing of the increased absentee voting volumes seen since 2020. Additionally, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the agenda amendment to move the closed session earlier in the day.
During the office updates, Director Corinne Duncan reported that 78 voters had utilized early voting services up to that point. She noted that the deadline to request absentee by mail ballots was 5:00 PM on October 21, 2025, which she identified as a new, earlier deadline. Duncan also confirmed that a second return visit by the Multipartisan Assistant Team (MAT) is scheduled for an assisted living facility in Weaverville. Regarding staffing, the Board was informed that a candidate for the Absentee Coordinator position has been selected and is currently in the process of receiving a job offer from Human Resources.
The Board was also informed of a new state-level appointment. Chair Glenda Weinert reported that Dallas Woodhouse has been appointed as a liaison from the State Board of Elections. Mr. Woodhouse, along with a state auditor, is scheduled to visit Buncombe County soon, with the auditor’s visit set for Thursday, October 26, to attend a separate meeting. The Board stated it will be kept updated on the schedules for these visits.
In the absentee ballot review, Deputy Director Neggy Fox presented four civilian (CIV) ballots and three overseas (OVR) ballots. The Board identified deficiencies in two of the civilian ballots, which will enter a cure process beginning October 22, 2025, to ensure voter eligibility. The Board approved the two remaining civilian ballots and all three overseas ballots, with each approval passing by a vote of 4-0.
A board member requested that the county provide power outlets in the new boardroom to accommodate laptops and other electronic devices during meetings. The Board subsequently moved into a closed session at 4:34 PM to consult with an attorney regarding legal matters. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 PM. The next Board of Elections meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 3:30 PM.