ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Board of Elections has unanimously approved an early voting plan in anticipation of the general election this fall.

The 2026 General Election Early Voting Plan was approved by the board during a June 29 special meeting and shaped by public input from more than 1,000 participants.

Next, the plan must be reviewed and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Early voting will be open Oct. 15-31, 2026.

An early look at early voting

There will be 13 locations available to Buncombe County voters for early voting. Voters may choose any of them to cast their ballot.

Locations:

1. Bee Tree Fire Station: 510 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa
2. Black Mountain Library: 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain
3. East Asheville Library: 3 Avon Road, Asheville
4. Enka-Candler Library: 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler
5. Fairview Library: 1 Taylor Road, Fairview
6. Friendship Center: 142 Shiloh Road, Asheville
7. Leicester Community Center: 2979 New Leicester Hwy., Leicester
8. North Asheville Library: 1030 Merrimon Ave., Asheville
9. South Buncombe Library: 260 Overlook Road, Asheville
10. Upper Hominy Fire Station: 1795 Pisgah Hwy., Candler
11. Weaverville Community Center: 60 Lakeshore Dr., Weaverville
12. Wesley Grant Southside Center: 285 Livingston St., Asheville
13. West Asheville Library: 942 Haywood Road, Asheville

There will not be a voting site specifically in downtown Asheville.

“Downtown locations tend to have lower turnout,” Buncombe County officials wrote in a press release. “The closest Early Voting site to the downtown area is the Wesley Grant Southside Community Center at 285 Livingston St., Asheville 28801. It’s just over two miles from downtown, is on the bus route, and has been used over the last several years.”

Hours:

• Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• First Saturday, Oct. 17: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Second weekend, Oct. 24-25: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Last Saturday, Oct. 31: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Voting requirements:

• Voters must register to vote by Oct. 9, or else same-day register during early voting
• Voters must carry a valid photo ID. Free voter IDs are available at Buncombe County Election Services, 35 Woodfin St., Asheville

For more information about early voting and the general election, visit www.buncombenc.gov/vote.