ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County will open 13 early voting sites Thursday, Oct. 15, three more than voters had during the Tropical Storm Helene-disrupted 2024 election.

And if the number of absentee ballots already returned is any indication, elections officials could be in for a busy few weeks.

Buncombe County Elections Director Corinne Duncan said Tuesday that more than 1,500 absentee ballots have been returned, putting the county third in North Carolina behind Wake and Mecklenburg counties.

“We’ve definitely seen a lot of voter excitement,” Duncan said during a media event at the Friendship Center in Asheville’s Shiloh neighborhood.

Duncan said early voting has become the most popular way to cast a ballot in Buncombe County, largely because voters can choose from several locations and don’t have to wait until Election Day.

“If you’re out shopping or doing errands, you can choose an early voting location that’s right near you,” she said.

Early voting runs through Saturday, Oct. 31, with weekday and weekend hours available.

The county had planned to open 14 early voting sites for the 2024 presidential election, but Helene forced officials to reduce that number to 10.

This year, voters will have 13 locations spread across the county, including a new site at Upper Hominy Fire Station in southwestern Buncombe County. Most of the other locations will be familiar to voters, Duncan said.

The Wesley Grant Southside Center will also serve as an early voting location, replacing the Buncombe County Election Services office on Woodfin Street.

Duncan said turnout has increased in recent comparable elections, and she expects strong participation in this year’s midterm election.

Where and when to vote

Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 15, and ends Saturday, Oct. 31. All 13 Buncombe County locations will follow the same schedule:

  • Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 17: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24-25: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 31: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be no early voting Sunday, Oct. 18.

The 13 locations are:

  • Bee Tree Fire Station
  • Black Mountain Library
  • East Asheville Library
  • Enka-Candler Library
  • Fairview Library
  • Friendship Center
  • Leicester Community Center
  • North Asheville Library
  • South Buncombe Library
  • Upper Hominy Fire Station
  • Weaverville Community Center
  • Wesley Grant Southside Center
  • West Asheville Library

Voters can cast their ballots at any early voting location in Buncombe County, regardless of where they live in the county.

Those who missed the Oct. 9 voter registration deadline can still register and vote during early voting. They will need to provide proof of residence.

Voters are asked to bring an acceptable photo ID, such as a North Carolina driver’s license or U.S. passport. Certain approved student IDs and government-issued IDs are also accepted.

Voters without an acceptable photo ID may still cast a provisional ballot and complete an ID Exception Form.

Free voter photo IDs are available at Buncombe County Election Services, 35 Woodfin St. in Asheville, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

What’s on the ballot?

There’s plenty for voters to consider this year, from federal and state races to local offices and ballot questions.

The ballot includes races for U.S. Senate, Congress, the state legislature, judicial offices, Buncombe County sheriff, district attorney, county commissioners, Asheville City Council and local school boards.

Duncan also said voters will see three proposed state constitutional amendments and two local bond referendums.

But not everyone will see the same ballot.

Buncombe County has 32 ballot styles, depending on where voters live. Duncan encouraged residents to look at their sample ballots before heading to the polls.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections’ online voter search tool allows residents to check their registration status, find voting locations and view or print their sample ballots.

Voters can also see which past elections they participated in, although the tool does not show how anyone voted.

The county will have an online wait-time map during early voting so residents can check lines at each location before leaving home.

Other ways to vote

Curbside voting will be available for voters who cannot enter a polling location because of age or disability. Voting equipment inside the sites also offers accessibility features, including audio assistance, enlarged text and braille.

Voters who received absentee ballots by mail can return them to an early voting location during voting hours.

They can also return ballots by mail or deliver them to Buncombe County Election Services at 35 Woodfin St. All absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Absentee ballots cannot be returned to Election Day polling places.

For those who prefer to vote Nov. 3, polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters must go to their assigned precinct, and anyone in line when polls close will be allowed to vote.

Duncan said the most important thing is for voters to know their options and make a plan.

“Just come as you have before, bring your photo ID, choose the election voting type that you want,” she said. “And make sure you turn out.”

More information about voting locations, hours and requirements is available at buncombenc.gov/vote.