Buncombe County -- October 15, 2026: Early voting begins Thursday across Buncombe County, giving residents an opportunity to cast their ballots at any of 13 locations ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
The early voting period continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, with weekday and weekend hours available. Unlike Election Day, when voters must use their assigned precinct, early voters can choose whichever county location works best for them.
According to Buncombe County Government, 70,371 residents voted early in the 2022 midterm election, accounting for about 58% of all votes cast.
Early voting hours
The county’s early voting schedule is:
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18: Closed.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24–25: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Voters can check the county’s early voting wait-time map during voting hours to see how busy each location is before choosing where to vote.
Where to vote early
Buncombe County’s 13 early voting locations are:
Bee Tree Fire Station: 510 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa.
Black Mountain Library: 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain.
East Asheville Library: 3 Avon Road, Asheville.
Enka-Candler Library: 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler.
Fairview Library: 1 Taylor Road, Fairview.
Friendship Center: 142 Shiloh Road, Asheville.
Leicester Community Center: 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester.
North Asheville Library: 1030 Merrimon Ave., Asheville.
South Buncombe Library: 260 Overlook Road, Asheville.
Upper Hominy Fire Station: 1795 Pisgah Highway, Candler.
Weaverville Community Center: 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville.
Wesley Grant Southside Center: 285 Livingston St., Asheville.
West Asheville Library: 942 Haywood Road, Asheville.
Same-day registration available
Eligible residents who missed the regular registration deadline can still register and vote at an early voting site. Same-day registration requires proof of residence, and voters will be asked to show an acceptable photo ID when checking in to vote.
Residents can check their registration, review a sample ballot and find their assigned Election Day polling place through the North Carolina voter search tool.
People with felony convictions must have completed their sentences, including any probation, parole or post-release supervision, before registering to vote. Once their voting rights are restored, they must register again, even if they were registered before their conviction.
Absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 20
Voters who prefer to vote by mail have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, to request an absentee ballot. Requests must be received by the deadline. Voters can apply through the North Carolina Absentee Ballot Portal or submit an official paper request form.
According to the county’s announcement, completed civilian absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. A postmark does not meet the receipt deadline.
Completed ballots may be mailed to P.O. Box 7468, Asheville, NC 28802, delivered to Election Services at 35 Woodfin St., Asheville, or returned to an early voting site during operating hours. Absentee ballots cannot be returned to an Election Day precinct.
Absentee voters in some states must include a photocopy of an acceptable photo ID. Those unable to provide one may complete the Photo ID Exception Form included with their ballot materials.
Active-duty military members, eligible family members and U.S. citizens living abroad can find information about their voting options through the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
Photo ID and accessible voting
Voters will be asked to present an acceptable photo ID at the polls. Information about accepted identification and options for voters without ID is available on the State Board of Elections voter ID page.
The county says free voter photo IDs are available at Election Services, 35 Woodfin St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Curbside voting is available at all early voting and Election Day locations for voters unable to enter because of age or disability. Voters should pull up to the designated curbside voting sign for assistance.
Election Day polling place change
Election Day polls will be open 6:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Anyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Buncombe County also announced a polling place change for Precinct 60.4. Voters previously assigned to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Fairview will instead vote at A.C. Reynolds High School, 1 Rocket Drive, Asheville. The change follows the church’s unexpected closure over the summer.
For election information, sample ballot resources and assistance, visit Buncombe County Election Services or call 828-250-4200.
Source: Buncombe County Government, with additional voter guidance from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.