The North Carolina Primary Election for 2026 is scheduled for March 3, with early voting beginning on February 12. Residents in Buncombe County and across the state will have the opportunity to vote in both the primary and general elections this year.
To participate in the primary, voters must register by February 6 at 5 p.m. Same-day registration is available during early voting from February 12 to February 28, requiring a photo ID and proof of residence. Voters can check their registration status or find more information using the North Carolina State Board of Elections voter search tool.
Those who wish to register must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, residents of North Carolina and Buncombe County for at least 30 days before the election, and not serving a felony sentence. Registration forms can be mailed to Buncombe County Election Services or submitted in person at their new office location on Woodfin Street in Asheville. Additionally, residents with a state-issued ID can update their registration online through the NCDMV’s voter registration service.
Key dates for voters include January 12 when absentee voting begins, February 17 as the last day to request an absentee ballot, and March 13 for canvassing results.
There are three ways to vote: early voting at one of eleven designated locations throughout Buncombe County; absentee-by-mail voting; or on Primary Election Day itself at assigned polling places between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Voters should note that photo identification is now required under new state law when casting ballots either in person or by mail. Free voter photo IDs are available at Election Services’ new Government Services Center location.
All polling sites offer accessibility accommodations such as curbside voting and assistive technology for individuals with disabilities or language needs.
Recently, about 5,400 Buncombe County voters received letters from the State Board of Elections encouraging them to update their records with driver’s license or social security numbers to ensure accuracy at polling places.
In related local education news, recent data shows that among senior students taking standardized ACT tests in Buncombe County schools during the 2022-23 academic year:
– Only about a quarter were considered college-ready in math (25.6%) https://www.dpi.nc.gov/
– Slightly more than a quarter were ready in science (28.5%) https://www.dpi.nc.gov/
– About two-fifths demonstrated college readiness in reading (41.1%) https://www.dpi.nc.gov/
For juniors taking these tests:
– Nearly one-third were ready for college-level math (32.7%) https://www.dpi.nc.gov/
– Just over thirty percent met science readiness standards (30.1%) https://www.dpi.nc.gov/
– Over forty percent showed readiness in reading (43.2%) https://www.dpi.nc.gov/
Residents seeking more information about registering or voting can visit buncombenc.gov/vote or contact county election officials by phone or email.
