ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County election officials say the county is prepared for Election Day on Tuesday following strong early voting turnout that surpassed participation in the 2024 presidential primary.
More than 30,700 ballots were cast during the early voting period, exceeding the county’s 2024 presidential primary early turnout by more than 4,600 voters, according to Buncombe County Elections Director Corinne Duncan. The South Buncombe, North Asheville and East Asheville library locations recorded the highest voter traffic.
Despite higher-than-expected participation, officials reported minimal wait times at early voting sites.
Election officials said Election Day turnout could bring another 30,000 voters to the polls Tuesday. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. March 3. Voters who are in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to cast ballots.
Buncombe County will operate 80 polling locations staffed by about 450 poll workers. Voters must cast ballots at their assigned polling place and present an acceptable photo ID, as required under North Carolina law.
Unaffiliated voters may participate in the primary election by selecting a party ballot at check-in.
Officials noted that eight polling locations have changed because of impacts from Tropical Storm Helene. Affected voters were mailed notification cards with updated voting locations. Voters can also confirm their polling place, registration status and view sample ballots through the North Carolina Voter Search tool or by visiting buncombecounty.org/vote.
Same-day voter registration is not available on Election Day. Residents who submit registration forms now will be registered for future elections.
Election officials encouraged voters to review sample ballots in advance, particularly in primary elections where ballots vary based on residence and party affiliation. Sample ballots may be brought to polling locations to help speed up the voting process.
Curbside voting will be available at all polling sites for voters unable to enter polling places because of age or disability. Accessible voting equipment, including large-print, Braille and audio options, will also be available. Language assistance can be provided if needed.
Absentee-by-mail voting remains underway, though the deadline to request a ballot has passed. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to the Buncombe County Election Services office at 35 Woodfin St. in Asheville by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots returned after that deadline will not be accepted, even if postmarked earlier.
Officials said absentee ballots cannot be returned at Election Day polling locations under state law and must include a copy of the voter’s photo ID and a signed envelope.
Free voter identification cards remain available at the Buncombe County Election Services office through Monday.
Election officials said updates will be provided throughout Election Day as voting continues across the county.