Buncombe elections board adopts resolution to begin counting absentee ballots at 2 p.m. on election day

The Buncombe County Board of Elections on Jan. 28 adopted a resolution setting the time to begin reviewing absentee ballots for the March primary at 2:00 p.m. on election day.

Executive Director Duncan told the board the resolution is required for absentee procedures and that it allows staff to begin working absentee ballots at 2:00 p.m. He noted that military and overseas ballots are handled under the separate UACAVA process and that the board had not needed the extended counting window for the recent municipal election but does for the primary.

A board member moved to approve the resolution and, after a second, the board approved it by voice vote. Duncan said the office would publish the notice in the newspaper as required by law.

Board members asked for clarification on two statutory time frames referenced in the board materials (one related to Article 21A and another to UACAVA) and staff agreed to clarify those citations and circulate any relevant memos or resources to the board.

The resolution authorizes staff to proceed under the stated time and notice requirements; staff will implement the counting start time and publish the required public notice.