The votes are in, Asheville. You’ve done your civic duty and now you’re probably wondering about the 2022 election results. Here are some of the big takeaways, sourced from the NC State Board of Elections unofficial results with 100% of precincts reported.
Esther Manheimer was reelected as mayor
Incumbent Esther Manheimer, who has served as Asheville’s mayor since 2013, has been reelected to serve another four years. Manheimer led Kim Roney with ~53.5% of the votes. Upon reelection, she says she plans to redouble affordable housing efforts, expand public safety, reduce houselessness, and implement climate change policy.
Two Buncombe bonds pass decisively
For the first time since 2016, Buncombe County citizens had bonds on their ballots — and the majority of residents voted yes on both of them.
The $30 million Open Space Bond supports land conservation, protection, and preservation, and the creation of new greenways and trails. It’s expected to cost the average household a maximum of $14 a year for 20 years.
The $40 million Housing Bond will help increase the number of housing units for people of low to moderate income. It’s expected to cost the average household a maximum of $18 a year for 20 years.
Maggie Ullman Berthiaume will join Asheville City Council
Asheville City Council incumbents Antanette Mosley and Sheneika Smith, plus newcomer Maggie Ullman Berthiaume, have won the three open seats that make up the six-person council. Berthiaume led all candidates — with Mosley and Smith securing second and third place, respectively.
Berthiaume, who was the city’s first sustainability director, has said she will prioritize affordable housing incentives for low-wage workers, the installation of solar power on city buildings, and doubling down on core city services.
Martin Moore, plus two incumbents, won commissioner seats
Incumbents Al Whitesides (District 1) and Amanda Edwards (District 3), plus newcomer Martin Moore (District 2), won the three open seats for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Moore — who works as an attorney — unseated incumbent Robert Pressley, the board’s only registered Republican. Pressley has served as a commissioner since 2016. See the final percentages.
Quentin Miller secured another term as sheriff
Miller, who has served as Buncombe County sheriff since 2018, defeated Trey McDonald and Tracey DeBruhl with ~60.4% of the vote.
Voter turnout was higher than the 2018 midterms
Out of the 209,476 registered voters in Buncombe County, 119,320 cast a vote in this year’s election — that’s roughly 56.9%. An estimated 70,371 voters took advantage of early voting, while more than 33,500 voters waited until Election Day. To put that in perspective, there were 119,798 voters in the 2018 midterms and 162,137 voters in the 2020 election.
Curious who else won? Check out this list of comprehensive results.
