Board of Elections Meeting: Aug. 19, 2025

Board of Elections Meeting Recap: August 19, 2025 – Preparing for Upcoming Elections

The Buncombe County Board of Elections convened on August 19, 2025, to discuss preparations for upcoming elections and address important administrative matters. The meeting began with a celebratory note, recognizing board member Peggy's birthday, before swiftly approving the agenda. The primary focus of the meeting was ensuring a smooth and accurate election process for residents, with several key decisions made that will impact how and where citizens can vote.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to election administration updates. The Board acknowledged a staffing change, with Devin Whitney temporarily filling in for Elections Administrator Corrine Duncan and addressing the recent resignation of Justin Tate. Progress was highlighted on the "registration repair" project, a vital initiative aimed at cleaning up voter registration records. While significant headway has been made – reducing the backlog from nearly 2,100 to around 1,400 records – ongoing efforts are underway to address the remaining flagged registrations. The Board also approved a plan to consolidate two smaller precincts (28.1 and 41.1) for the upcoming municipal election, streamlining operations and potentially reducing staffing needs at those locations.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Board discussed a detailed proposal for early voting plans. This plan includes weekday hours from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and weekend hours from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Importantly, the Board is actively seeking public input on this proposal through an online survey launching August 20th. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in this opportunity to shape early voting access in their community, particularly as the Board seeks a suitable location in North Asheville. Finally, the Board reaffirmed its established policy to follow county emergency management directives during inclement weather, ensuring consistent procedures for early voting sites.

Beyond election logistics, the Board addressed a crucial matter of legal representation. Recognizing the need for counsel to navigate potential election-related legal challenges, they discussed three firms: Tharrington Smith LLP, Allen Stahl and Kilburn, and T. Campbell. To facilitate an informed decision, the Board will invite representatives from each firm for brief interviews during a closed session at their next meeting on September 4th. Lastly, the Board reviewed ten voter challenges related to deceased voters and confirmed their validity, scheduling a formal hearing on September 4th.

What’s Next for Residents?

The Board of Elections is committed to transparency and ensuring accessible elections. Here's what residents should know:

• Share Your Voice: Participate in the online survey regarding early voting plans, starting August 20th. This is your chance to influence the convenience and accessibility of early voting options in Buncombe County.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for updates on the voter registration repair project and upcoming election dates.
• Upcoming Meeting: The Board will continue discussions on legal counsel selection and address the voter challenge hearings at their next meeting on September 4th.

The Board’s actions demonstrate a proactive approach to election preparedness, and their commitment to engaging with the community ensures that residents have a voice in shaping the electoral process.