Board of Elections Meeting: April 2, 2025

Board of Elections Meeting Recap: April 2, 2025

On April 2nd, 2025, the Buncombe County Board of Elections convened to discuss ongoing activities, plan for upcoming elections, and address concerns surrounding the Board's relationship with Buncombe County government. The meeting provided updates on various initiatives and resulted in several key decisions impacting election administration and the Board’s operational independence.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on preparations for upcoming elections and ensuring readiness in light of potential legal challenges, particularly related to Senate Bill 382. Director Duncan reported on the launch of candidate information sessions, staff participation in the North Carolina Association of Directors of Elections (NCADE) conference – where she presented on election readiness – and ongoing outreach to both Democratic and Republican party chairs. Efforts are underway to recruit poll workers, with Karen Ray leading the introduction process, and several Board members have joined the county's mentor-mentee program. Staff are also diligently reviewing data collected over the past two years in preparation for a warehouse move, which proved to be a major point of discussion.

The Board took several important votes during the meeting. The agenda and minutes from the previous meeting (March 5th) were approved without objection. Most notably, the Board unanimously voted to add a $20,000 contingency item to the budget for outside legal assistance. This decision reflects a growing concern among Board members about ensuring the Board’s ability to operate independently and uphold election integrity, particularly as it navigates its relationship with Buncombe County.

A central topic of discussion revolved around the planned move to 35 Woodfin for the Board's warehouse. Concerns were raised about whether the new space will adequately accommodate future growth and if Buncombe County is fully considering the Board’s needs. Robert Brown's spreadsheet, now including a "growth factor" column, will be reviewed on Monday to further assess the suitability of the space. Several board members emphasized the importance of providing input on the warehouse plan before final drawings are made, highlighting a desire to ensure a smooth transition and adequate support for election officials.

While no direct public comments were made during the meeting, the discussion surrounding the warehouse move reflected broader concerns about ensuring a smooth transition and adequate support for election officials. The Board ultimately requested that County Management provide a briefing on the warehouse project at their next meeting, with the project manager present to answer questions directly. Additionally, they will revisit and revise the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Buncombe County to clarify the nature of their partnership and ensure the Board’s independence. The Board will also continue reviewing data related to the warehouse move, and ongoing outreach efforts with the NCADE and CAD will continue.

What's Next? The Board is actively pursuing options for retaining independent legal counsel to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Residents can expect further discussion on the warehouse plan and a briefing from County Management at the next meeting, scheduled for April 29th at 3:30 PM. These actions demonstrate the Board’s commitment to providing fair and accessible elections while safeguarding its operational independence within the broader Buncombe County government structure.