ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County residents will soon help shape how early voting looks in the 2026 general election, from where polling sites are located to how long weekend hours stay open.
A newly launched five-question survey is asking voters for input on the county’s early voting plan, which includes proposed locations, hours of operation and weekend voting options. The survey is open now and runs through 5 p.m. Friday, June 19. It is also available in Spanish.
“We value community input, and we are excited to hear what you have to say,” Buncombe County Elections Director Corinne Duncan said. “Building the plan is one of the most important duties of our Board of Elections, and your thoughts and ideas inform our decisions.”
Officials say feedback from residents has already helped shape past early voting plans, including the addition of new sites and changes to weekend schedules.
Early voting remains the most popular way to cast a ballot in Buncombe County. More than 70,000 ballots were cast during the 2022 midterm general election. Unlike Election Day, when voters must go to assigned precincts, early voting allows registered voters to cast ballots at any designated site in the county. Same-day registration is also available during the early voting period.
After the survey closes, the Buncombe County Board of Elections will review responses and in-person feedback at its June 23 meeting. A second round of public input will be considered July 14, when the board is expected to vote on the final plan. The proposal must then be submitted to the North Carolina State Board of Elections by July 24 for approval.
Key dates for voters
- Sept. 15: National Voter Registration Day
- Sept. 4: Absentee voting by mail begins
- Oct. 9: Voter registration deadline
- Oct. 15: Early voting begins
- Oct. 20: Last day to request an absentee-by-mail ballot
- Oct. 31: Early voting ends
- Nov. 3: Election Day and absentee ballot return deadline
- Nov. 13: County canvass day (certified results)
Residents can review the proposed plan or take the survey here. Voter information is also available here.
