Asheville Gears Up for 2024 Elections: Early Voting, Absentee Ballot Information, and New ID Requirements

Asheville Prepares for the Upcoming Election

As the vibrant city of Asheville gears up for the 2024 elections, there’s a buzz in the air. With the recent impacts of Tropical Storm Helene still fresh in our minds, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about our voting options and the efforts being made by local officials to ensure a smooth election process.

Early Voting Details

Mark your calendars! Early voting in Buncombe County is set to kick off on Thursday, October 17 and will run through Friday, November 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final day for early voting will be Saturday, November 2, with hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This expanded schedule is part of the ongoing adjustments made by the County Board of Elections, in collaboration with the North Carolina State Board of Elections, to best serve our community.

Polling Place Status

It’s worth noting that Buncombe County is currently assessing the status of its 80 election day polling places. Officials have started reaching out to poll workers to ensure that everything is in place for an efficient voting experience. The community is encouraged to stay tuned for updates regarding polling locations as the election date approaches.

Absentee Voting: What You Need to Know

If you prefer to vote by mail, requesting your absentee ballot is easy! You can do this by completing the official absentee ballot request form, which can be found on the state’s election website. Don’t delay; the deadline to submit your request is Tuesday, October 29, at 5 p.m. Once you’ve received your ballot, remember that it needs to be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 5.

What’s great is that any registered voter in North Carolina can request and vote by absentee ballot without needing to provide a special reason. You can either print the request form from home or, if you don’t have a printer, you can visit the Election Services office at 59 Woodfin Place, or simply call 828-250-4200 to have one mailed to you. For our service members and citizens living abroad, detailed information is available at fvap.gov.

New ID Requirements

This election cycle has brought a new requirement: voters must now provide a copy of an acceptable photo ID when returning their absentee ballots. Make sure to check out the instructions provided in the return envelope for more information on this requirement. You can find specific details regarding acceptable IDs online to ensure you’re prepared.

Track Your Ballot

Once you’ve cast your vote, it’s important to keep track of it! You can monitor the status of your mail-in ballot from start to finish through the tracking system offered by the state. This can help you feel more at ease knowing your vote is being processed correctly.

Engaging with Local Candidates

As the elections approach, many residents are eager to hear from local candidates. Fortunately, responses from candidates can be found conveniently online, allowing voters to better understand their platforms and make informed decisions.

A Call for Community Involvement

For over 25 years, the commitment to in-depth and balanced reporting has been a cornerstone of our community. In these challenging times for journalism, readers are encouraged to lend their support. Becoming a member or contributing financially, even for as little as $5 a month, helps sustain local journalism and keeps us informed about important topics like the upcoming elections.

Encouragement for Civil Dialogue

Lastly, as we approach this election, it’s crucial to engage in respectful and civil discussions about the issues at hand. Open dialogue enriches our community, and maintaining a positive atmosphere for conversation is essential. Together, we can ensure that everyone’s voice is heard as we navigate this important time.

So, Asheville, let’s get ready to make our voices heard this election season!