# Board of Elections Absentee Meeting | Oct. 6, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Elections absentee meeting, identified in the title as October 6, 2026, covered election preparations and absentee-ballot processing. Staff reported that early-voting machines had been tested and verified, and that training was underway for approximately 600 poll workers. The board was told that 4,954 absentee ballots had been issued: 4,239 civilian, 31 military, and 684 overseas. Members approved 262 ballots—192 civilian, three military, and 67 overseas—and voted to disapprove six ballots with non-curable deficiencies. Staff also noted that nearly 200 ballots were expected for the next meeting.

The board moved its next meeting and Election Day machine testing to October 13 at 1:00 p.m.; the planned test will cover 10% of the machines. Staff provided reminders about registration deadlines, early voting at 13 county sites beginning October 15, and the October 20 absentee-request deadline. They also explained that a second mailing about missing or mismatched voter ID information affected just over 4,000 voters, but providing the information is voluntary and does not affect voting. No procurement, contract award, or spending decision was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Sources
- [Board of Elections Absentee Meeting | Oct. 6, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siTc-bJttdk) - Buncombe County Government