Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the MAT Resolution And Absentee Certification topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves MAT visit resolution and certifies 1,038 absentee ballots
Summary
The Buncombe County Board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing MAT visits to shelters with documentation and training requirements, and it certified 1,038 civilian absentee ballots while flagging a handful for spoil/reissue or notary verification.
The Buncombe County Board of Elections voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2024‑13, which designates additional sites for multi‑agency assistance team (MAT) visits to help voters in shelters with absentee ballots and requires MAT members to provide information on all lawful voting options and to document assistance.
Staff circulated a draft resolution that enumerated required elements: the list of authorized sites, use of existing MAT training adapted for expanded duties, instructions to inform voters about all lawful voting methods (absentee by mail, in‑person early voting, and on‑site options), and a log of assistance and transmittal procedures. The board made modest wording edits (replacing “other” with “all lawful” voting methods and adding a clause directing MAT members to promptly transmit any voted absentee ballot to the county office and document receipt) before approving the resolution 5‑0.
After adopting the resolution, the board completed review of absentee ballots. Staff reported they had examined 1,043 civilian absentee ballots and recommended approval of 1,038 of them. The board approved that recommendation 5‑0. A small number of ballots were set aside for spoil and reissue because of issues such as missing witness signatures, mismatched CIV numbers, or a possibly expired notary stamp; staff will verify the notary with the Secretary of State before taking final action on that ballot.
Chair and staff directed follow‑up on logistics: staff will verify notary status on the held ballot, ensure MAT team documentation procedures are in place, and pursue state disaster relief reimbursement where eligible to help cover extra costs associated with shelter outreach and potential retention incentives for workers.
The resolution and the ballot certifications were the principal formal actions of the meeting; board members emphasized the need to publicize all voting options — especially Sunday hours — to maximize voter access during ongoing storm recovery operations.
