Buncombe County had an early-voting record, with nearly 96,838 casting votes in the midterm election.

Now, election staff members are getting ready for what could be another record turnout for Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

“We work hard to be there for voters and we love when they show up. Turnout is exceeding expectations, and our voters still have a chance to be part of record turnout this midterm,” said Election Director Corinne Duncan in a Nov. 2 news release. 

The busiest locations were the South Buncombe Library and the Weaverville Community Center for early voting, which ran from Oct. 15-Oct. 31.

Buncombe County Election Services recognized the 475 poll workers and parking attendants who supported early voting across 13 sites for 16 days and 172.5 hours of open polls.

“Their dedication, professionalism, and positive attitudes ensured a smooth and welcoming experience for thousands of voters,” the county said in the release.

County staff and poll workers are now completing final preparations at all 80 polling places across Buncombe County. Each site is fully set up, secured and ready to welcome voters, the release said. According to the release, each polling place will be staffed by a bipartisan leadership team consisting of one chief judge and two party-judges, along with additional trained poll workers.

Election staff provided these reminders for voters for Election Day:

  • Voters must vote at their assigned polling location
  • Same‑day registration is not available on Election Day
  • Photo ID is required and a list of accepted examples is available at buncombenc.gov/vote or by calling 828‑250‑4200
  • Polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; anyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will have the opportunity to vote

Buncombe County Election Services had a special alert for voters in Precinct 60.4 due to a polling location change. The release said that due to the unexpected summer closure of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Fairview, the polling site has been moved to A.C. Reynolds High School at 1 Rocket Dr, Asheville. Voters affected by the change were notified by mail earlier this year.

Voters unsure of their Election Day polling place can use the N.C. Voter Search Tool. The tool from the N.C. State Board of Elections allows voters to confirm their assigned polling site, check their registration status and access sample ballots. Voters can bring printed sample ballots with them to the polls to make voting easier.

Curbside voting is offered at every polling location for voters who cannot enter the facility due to age or disability. Curbside voters must also present an acceptable photo ID, county officials said in the release.

Absentee ballots are due by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots received after 7:30 p.m., including those postmarked by Election Day, cannot be accepted. Absentee ballots should be returned in person to the Election Services office at 35 Woodfin St., Asheville.