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Buncombe elections staff present early-voting plan and public survey results; board weighs adding an 11th site
Summary
Elections staff reported public feedback on the proposed early-voting plan for the primary, summarized site suggestions and reserved 10 proposed sites; the board discussed options to add an eleventh site in the county’s north or west areas.
Elections staff presented public input and site research on a proposed early-voting plan for the upcoming primary, reporting strong public engagement and laying out options for an additional site in remote parts of the county.
Staff member Negi (title not specified in the meeting record) told the Buncombe County Board of Elections that the public survey, open for several weeks, recorded more than 1,900 page views, over 2,000 responses and about 932 written comments. Survey results showed 61% of respondents rated the proposed plan “good as is,” 23% approved it with minor changes, 10% asked for major changes and 7% did not approve it. The survey’s most-cited positive items were consistent hours, weekend availability, multiple locations, extended weekday hours and voter flexibility.
The proposed plan calls for 10 early-voting sites for the primary, opening the second weekend (the draft showed Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21–22) with weekend hours at many sites of 10 a.m.–3 p.m., weekday hours of 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m., and the last Saturday open 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Staff said these hours allow one work shift for weekend days and two shifts for the weekday evenings.
Staff outlined site options the public suggested for North Asheville (including UNC Asheville, the North Asheville Library and other community buildings), and said the county could budget up to 11 early-voting sites if the board chooses to add one more. Staff flagged two candidate additions discussed by the board: Jupiter Fire Station (closer to the county center and historically higher turnout when used) and Big Ivy Community Center (farther, more rural, with access limitations). Staff noted historical turnout statistics for sites used in prior cycles: Jupiter Fire Station was used in earlier cycles, drawing roughly 1,400 and 900 voters in two prior primaries cited by staff.
Board members raised accessibility, parking and the need for consistent, repeatable sites so voters learn where to go. Staff said it had confirmed reservations for the 10 proposed sites and would continue outreach to fill any remaining site gaps. Board members requested follow-up: registration comparisons in candidate site catchment areas and turnout history for sites previously used. Staff said she would email the PowerPoint and maps and return with updated data.
No final board vote was taken on a site change at the meeting; staff asked board members to send additional site suggestions and said staff would return with updated numbers and maps at the board’s next meeting.
