Board hears outreach plans for early-voting survey as members monitor SB1084

During the May 21 session Director Duncan told the Buncombe County Board of Elections the early-voting plan survey is live on the county website for one month and staff have prepared printed flyers and electronic copies for board distribution. Duncan said staff can pursue radio ads but likely only for the last two weeks of the survey given production turnaround times. The director also mentioned exploring Facebook ads and speaking with WLOS about additional outreach.

A board member noted a pending state Senate bill, SB1084, that would reduce the early-voting period from 17 days to 10 days once effective. "The early voting period for this fall, if this passes, would be abbreviated to 10 days," the board member said, prompting discussion about whether the county should add more sites or shift staffing if the law changes. Board members raised concerns that a shortened window could compress demand into fewer days and increase staffing and facility costs even if the overall number of staffed days is reduced.

Board members asked whether radio outreach would be paid or run as a public-service announcement; the chair suggested pursuing a PSA to avoid costs. Staff said they would explore public-service options and other media outlets, but also noted the county could pay for messaging if necessary. Board members asked staff to monitor the state legislatures progress on SB1084 and to keep the board informed so local early-voting plans can pivot if needed.

The board scheduled follow-up business and the meeting recorded an agreement to review other agenda items at a later special meeting. No formal action on outreach spending or changes to the early-voting plan was taken at the May 21 meeting.