Elections office updates: ballot reprint after withdrawal, polling-site search continues for several precincts

Buncombe County elections staff told the Board of Elections that a Woodfin candidate withdrew between meetings and elections staff re‑coded ballots so sample ballots could be reissued; staff estimated the vendor recoding cost at about $200 (not including staff time).

Ryan, an elections staff member, said most municipal election sites are secured but named six precinct sites still under negotiation for 2026. He listed specific locations under discussion or being replaced: Tridestone Missionary Baptist Church (Precinct 23.2); Beaver Dam Fire Department (27.2) — where remodeling required relocation and Revolve Church is being pursued nearby; North Asheville Community Center (Precinct 4.1) — currently housing equipment from a leak and under consideration for replacement by North Asheville Library (outside the precinct); Black Mountain Montessori School (35.1) — private school decided not to host elections; Owen High School is being pursued just outside that precinct; Emmons Grove Baptist Church (57.1) — Mills Gap Baptist Church is a possible alternative, with Cane Creek Community Center as an outside-precinct backup; and Saint George's Episcopal Church (26.1) — staff are pursuing other churches and a park site.

Ryan said state election law permits going outside a precinct if no suitable in-precinct structure exists. He told the board that 75 of about 80 precincts were settled and that staff will present a map to the board when agreements are proposed.

Office staffing and operations updates included: a new clerk hire who will start Oct. 6, interviews scheduled for the absentee coordinator position, logic-and-accuracy testing underway for municipal election machines (with public testing to follow), absentee ballots scheduled to mail Oct. 3 and municipal agreement templates sent to six municipalities with positive responses pending formal signatures.

Staff also reported that AV installation at the 35 Woodfin boardroom has started but likely will not be complete before the Oct. 7 meeting; the board agreed to meet in the Interchange Building boardroom for upcoming hearings and meetings if AV is not ready.

Corinne told the board about recent outreach: a judge appreciation event and voter registration drives in partnership with libraries and regional treasurer training conducted with the state board.

Several board members asked about accessibility and travel distance to relocated sites; Ryan said his priority is to keep polling places within precincts, close to main roads and familiar landmarks, and he will present maps when the proposals are finalized. "All the locations for the municipal election, they're all taken care of," Ryan said, adding that the outstanding locations are being negotiated for 2026.