Democrats lead early voting turnout in Buncombe County primary

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Early voting is underway in Buncombe County for North Carolina’s March 3 primary election, with more than 4,300 ballots cast during the first three reporting days.

Early voting began Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 28.

According to data from the Buncombe County Election Services, some 1,276 voters cast ballots on the first day of early voting, followed by 1,526 on Feb. 13 and 1,582 on Feb. 16, for a total of 4,384 ballots.

The busiest early voting sites so far have been the South Buncombe Branch Library, with 598 voters, and the Weaverville Community Center, with 595. Other high-turnout locations include the North Asheville Branch Library with 513 ballots cast and the East Asheville Branch Library with 505.

The lowest turnout has been reported at Upper Hominy Fire & Rescue Department in Candler, where 52 voters have cast ballots.

By party affiliation, registered Democrats account for the largest share of early voters, with 2,241 ballots cast. Unaffiliated voters have cast 1,570 ballots, while 570 Republicans have voted early. Two Libertarians and one Green Party voter have also cast ballots.

Early voting is available at 11 locations across the county, including branch libraries in Black Mountain, East Asheville, Enka-Candler, Fairview, North Asheville, South Buncombe and West Asheville, as well as the Leicester Community Center, Upper Hominy Fire Station, Weaverville Community Center and the Dr. Wesley Grant Southside Center in Asheville.

Voters can cast a ballot at any early voting site in the county. Same-day registration is available during the early voting period and requires a valid photo ID and proof of residence.

Voters may check how busy each site is by clicking here.

To be eligible to vote in North Carolina, a person must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, a resident of the state and precinct for at least 30 days before the election, and not currently serving a felony sentence, including probation or parole.

Key dates for the primary include Feb. 17, the deadline to request an absentee ballot; Feb. 28, the final day of early voting; March 3, Election Day; and March 13, when county officials will canvass the results.

Voters can check their registration status, polling place and sample ballot through the voter search tool maintained by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.