Earn this “I Voted” sticker, designed by local student Maya LeRoy. | Photo by AVLtoday
Nearly half of Buncombe County’s residents have already gone to the polls during the early voting period. If you haven’t voted yet, though, you’ve got one last chance to cast your ballot. Election Day is tomorrow, Nov. 5.
There’s a lot on the ballot and some changes have been made in the wake of Hurricane Helene — here are a few things to know before you vote.
Prepare for the polls
You’ll be asked to show a photo ID when you vote. If you don’t have identification for voting, you can still 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 provide some basic info and get your photo taken, then receive your card.
Turn in an absentee ballot
If you haven’t requested an absentee ballot yet, the emergency resolution passed by the NC State Board of Elections allows you to visit the Buncombe County Board of Elections office during business hours, request an absentee ballot, and complete it at the same time until 5 p.m. today, Nov. 4.
The resolution also allows absentee voters or their near relatives to hand deliver their completed ballot to any county board of elections in NC by Election Day. So if you’ve been displaced because of Hurricane Helene, you don’t have to deliver your ballot to Buncombe County Election Services.
Once you’ve received and completed your absentee ballot, it needs to be delivered to your chosen NC Board of Elections office by Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. 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.
Vote on Election Day
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place. Due to some polling locations sustaining damage during the storm or needing to be used for disaster relief or emergency services, the Buncombe County Board of Elections approved changes to 17 of 80 polling sites.
Don’t know where yours is? Use the NC State Board of Elections Voter Search tool to find out.
Events
Events
Many local businesses, venues, and organizations are reopening, and we’re excited to start sharing our events calendar again. However, due to the storm, some events on our website may be canceled or postponed. Please check the event links and websites to confirm details before attending.
Monday, Nov. 4
Eulogy Movie Night | 7:30 p.m. | Eulogy | Free | Dine on popcorn + movie theater candy and sip some cocktails during the show — the film is rated R.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
David Shaw & The Revivalists: A Benefit Show | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $133 | Jam out to the musical stylings of this eight-piece rock collective and its former-frontman-turned-solo-artist — proceeds benefit the RADA Foundation.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Cherokee Storytellers, Session Two | 1-3 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free, RSVP | Join oral historians from the Eastern Band of Cherokee to explore the values of Cherokee society as reflected in traditional stories and everyday life.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Wolf Howl | Thursday, Nov. 7-Friday, Nov. 8 | 6-8 p.m. | WNC Nature Center | $35+ | Experience the Nature Center at night while you learn about the Red and Gray Wolves of North America — because of inaccessible roads, registrants will be sent location details for entry.
World of Whiskey | 7-9 p.m. | Pulp | $24 | Enjoy delicious drinks and learn more about bourbon, rye, American, and single malt whiskeys.
Friday, Nov. 8
WNC Mountain Strong Career Fair | 8 a.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville | Free | Meet with WNC businesses and organizations as they promote career opportunities for job seekers.
After weeks of Helene-related delays, the beloved release weekend celebration officially kicks off Thursday, Nov. 7, and continues through Monday, Nov. 11, with live music, local food trucks, beer festivities, and more.
Pro tip: Sip classic Cold Mountain Winter Ale spinoffs (like fan-fave Coconut), plus try all-new brews like Breakfast and Barrel Aged.
If the current treatment does not sufficiently address the sediment in the North Fork reservoir, a backup plan is in place. Water Resources Department PIO Clay Chandler told Blue Ridge Public Radio that the Army Corps of Engineers will install mobile filtration systems and that the USACE has set a best-case timeline of mid-December for restoration.
Civic
During a special meeting on Friday, Nov. 1, Buncombe County Commissioners approved reallocating $3.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to post-storm housing assistance and small business grants. The county will identify partners for the associated programs, then schedule a public hearing before programs are launched.
Outdoors
The National Park Service has restored access to six more miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mount Pisgah, from NC Route 151 (milepost 405.5) to NC Route 276 (milepost 411.8). However, campgrounds, picnic areas, and other visitor services in this section are closed for the 2024 season.
Cause
Grant applications are now open for Explore Asheville’s newly launched Always Asheville Fund. Eligible travel- and hospitality-related businesses that were impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for grants from $5,000 to $10,000. The application deadline is Monday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m.
Civic
The City of Asheville has permitted a fourth temporary debris management site at Hardesty Lane in East Asheville, and delivery of storm debris to this new site began over the weekend. Learn more about the other three permitted sites and the city’s plan for storm debris.
Listen
Alt rock band R.E.M. was among the 270+ musicians who contributed tracks to the compilation album “Caverns of Gold: A Benefit for WNC Hurricane Relief.” The album, which is now available for purchase, features tracks from WNC talent as well as nationally recognized artists with ties to the region. Proceeds benefit BeLoved Asheville.
Community
Buncombe County has contracted Tetra Tech as its disaster recovery consultant. The company, which has 25+ years of experience in disaster recovery, will assist with program development, debris management, outreach, and other support services.
Number
$6.9 million. That’s how much the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has awarded through the Emergency and Disaster Response Fund, as of Thursday, Oct. 31. Nonprofits that are meeting immediate post-storm needs or need assistance with remediation + rebuilding efforts can still apply for grants — or you can donate to the fund.
Environment
The year’s final supermoon, a new or full moon near perigee, will reach its peak on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:26 a.m. — but you’ll be able to see it after sunset. The moon has several names, but it’s often called the Beaver Moon since beavers take shelter in their lodges this time of year. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Arts
Beautiful things are happening on this canvas. Last week, the River Arts District Artists received a donation of canvases, acrylics and oils, and brushes from Bob Ross Inc. The organization distributed these and other community donations to district artists who lost their supplies in the storm.
Home
Selling your home? Promote your listing where buyers will see it — right here in this newsletter (in as little as two days).
The Buy
The Buy
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Our readers don’t often get a look behind the proverbial curtain (computer screen?), so today, I just thought I’d share the behind-the-scenes version of the photo at the top of this newsletter — and offer a little encouragement. We are all still reeling from the disaster and negotiating our way forward, but your vote still matters. Your vote is your voice, and it will help shape our community’s future.
