Updated Information Get Out the Vote - 2024

Your voice. Your vote. Your future.

Hurricane Helene has made conditions in WNC challenging, to say the very least, but it is still an election year. Because of the devastation and disruptions caused by Helene, the NC State Board of Elections has authorized Boards of Election in our region to modify election procedures. It’s important that we all be informed about these modifications.

The Buncombe County Board of Elections has approved new times and locations for early voting. Early voting began Oct. 17.

Voters can choose any early voting location that is convenient to them. Early voting hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Oct. 17 through Nov. 1, including weekends. Voting will begin at 9 a.m. on Nov. 2, the last day of early voting, but the polls will close at 3 p.m. that day.

Approved locations

• 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

• Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy., Leicester

• South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road, Asheville

• UNCA Health & Counseling Center, 118 W.T. Weaver Blvd., Asheville (new location)

• Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville

• Dr. Wesley Grant Southside Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville (in lieu of Board of Elections location)

• West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, Asheville

VOTER INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

• You must be registered to vote in order to vote

• The normal deadline to register to vote in North Carolina passed on Friday, Oct. 11. However, anyone who missed the deadline has one more chance —same-day registration. 

• You can also change name and address at a one-stop early voting site

• Election Day is November 5

• General questions answered at buncombecounty.org/vote or elections@buncombecounty.org or 828-250-4200

• Search voter status or find sample ballot at buncombecounty.org/vote or in-person at 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville

In addition to Presidential and Congressional elections, North Carolina will vote for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and other statewide offices. There are also many local seats on the ballot. For a full list of 2024 Offices up for election, go here.

What do I need to vote early? 
Voters who are already registered need the same information to vote early as they would if they voted in-person on Election Day. 

They must present valid photo identification, or fill out a photo identification exception form.

Photo ID exceptions include “reasonable impediments” like lost or stolen IDs, disability, illness and school or work schedules, religious objections to being photographed and being a victim of a natural disaster within 100 days before Election Day that was a state or nationally declared disaster.

Election Services can also provide a voter id at their office at 59 Woodfin Place in Asheville.  

You will tell them your name and address, as well as present your photo identification. The official will repeat the information back to you. 

Here are voter dates and deadlines for the 2024 general election in North Carolina:

• Oct. 17, 2024: In-person early voting begins; same-day registration available.

• Oct. 29, 2024: Absentee ballot request deadline (5 p.m.).*

• Nov. 2, 2024: In-person early voting ends (3 p.m.).

• Nov. 5, 2024: General Election Day.

• Nov. 5, 2024: Absentee ballot return deadline (7:30 p.m.).*

Voter Resources

If you’re already registered to vote, you’ll need to check your voter registration to confirm it is still active. Make sure to update your registration if you’ve moved or your name has changed since you last voted. 

REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT Here

Look up your sample ballot - go here to look up voter details, including jurisdictions and voting location, as well as a sample ballot and absentee voting information. Unsure about whether or not you are registered? You can also check your registration status here.

The Buncombe County Board of Elections has a helpful election overview with links to FAQs, absentee ballot requests, and other useful information on their website.

Volunteer Opportunities

In partnership with  WNC Votes: A Nonpartisan Voter Coalition, the YWCA is increasing its nonpartisan Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts and needs your help! YWCA volunteers interested in advocacy and outreach have the opportunity to connect with the GOTV initiative and assist with tabling, canvassing, and voter registration. All volunteers will receive training on voter registration, NC voter ID requirements, and what resources are available to voters. 

Please email volunteer@ywcaofasheville.org to get involved.

Election Day Problems?
Report an election issue by calling:

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) Call or text

• 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)

• 1-888-API-VOTE (Asian multilingual assistance)

• 1-844-YALLA-US (Arabic)