The 2024 general election in Buncombe County is fast approaching, and on Tuesday, Nov. 5, it will be time again to go to the polls. The president, NC governor, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, Asheville City Council, and more will be on the ballot — so here are a few things to know before you vote.
Mark your calendars
- Voter registration deadline | Friday, Oct. 11
- Same-day registration will still be available during early voting.
- Early voting | Thursday, Oct. 17-Saturday, Nov. 2
- Absentee ballot request deadline | Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.
- Election Day | Tuesday, Nov. 5
Prepare for the polls
Eligible voters can register or update their registration by printing out this form and mailing or delivering it in person to the Buncombe County Election Services office. If you already have an NC driver’s license or ID, you can register to vote online. You can also vote with same-day registration during early voting (you’ll just need a valid ID and proof of residency).
Pro tip: NC’s Voter Search Tool is a quick way to check your voter status, find your polling location, and peruse your sample ballot.
You’ll now be asked to show a photo ID when you cast your vote. If you don’t have identification for voting, you can visit Election Services Headquarters from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to receive a free photo ID card — no special documents needed. You’ll just provide some basic info and get your photo taken, then receive your card right there.
Cast your vote
You can vote in person during early voting, by mail with an absentee ballot, or in person on Election Day. Let’s dig into the details of each option.
Early voting
From Thursday, Oct. 17 through Saturday, Nov. 2, you can participate in early voting at any of the 14 polling places in Buncombe County. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday, Oct. 19 + 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 2, polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
During the early voting period, same-day registration is offered at all polling places, whether you need to register for the first time or update your information.
Vote by mail with an absentee ballot
Any registered NC voter can submit an absentee ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.
You can request an absentee ballot online or print the request form (available in English and Spanish) and mail it or hand deliver it to Buncombe County Election Services.
Once you’ve received and completed your absentee ballot, it needs to be delivered to Election Services by Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. You can return your ballot at an early voting site, in person to Election Services, or by mail. Note: To return your absentee ballot, you’ll have to include a copy of an eligible photo ID. If you cannot, complete the Photo ID Exception form included with your ballot.
Bonus: You can track your mail-in ballot through BallotTrax.
Voting on Election Day
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Unlike during early voting, on Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place. Don’t know where yours is? Use the NC State Board of Elections Voter Search tool to find out.
