Board of Elections Special Meeting | May 28, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Elections held a special meeting on May 28, 2026, primarily to discuss and finalize a badge access resolution for election services facilities. The board deliberated extensively on security protocols, particularly regarding access to the high-security warehouse at 50 Cox. Key points included whether board members should have badge access to the warehouse, the necessity of staff presence during visits, and the importance of bipartisan pairs for access to sensitive areas. The board also debated the need for notifying the election services director prior to visits to ensure professionalism and respect for staff workflows. Ultimately, the board voted to approve a resolution that allows badge access to the election services office during business hours and requires knocking for warehouse access with staff present, emphasizing security and operational integrity. Additionally, updates were provided on emergency preparedness roles assigned to county employees, potential facility relocations, and community engagement efforts related to early voting plans. No new contracts or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but facility management and security policies discussed could influence future procurement activities related to election services infrastructure.