ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Voters in Buncombe County will head to the polls March 3 for North Carolina’s 2026 primary election, with early voting beginning Feb. 12 and absentee voting getting underway Jan 12.
The primary is part of the 2026 midterm elections, which determine party nominees for federal, state and local offices. The general election will be held in November.
The deadline to register to vote for the primary is 5 p.m. Feb. 6. Voters may also register and vote during the early voting period through same-day registration, which runs Feb. 12-28. Same-day registrants must provide an acceptable photo ID and proof of residence.
Election officials encourage voters to check their registration status, voting location and sample ballot through the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ voter search tool or by visiting buncombenc.gov/vote.
To be eligible to register in North Carolina, a voter must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, a resident of the state, county and precinct for at least 30 days before the election and not serving a felony sentence in jail, prison or on parole.
MARCH PRIMARY TO DECIDE BUNCOMBE COUNTY DA AND KEY LOCAL RACES
Voters may register by mail, in person or online through the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles if they have a state-issued driver’s license or ID. Buncombe County Election Services is located at 35 Woodfin St. in Asheville.
Absentee-by-mail voting begins Jan. 12. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. The deadline to request a ballot is 5 p.m. Feb. 17. Completed ballots must be received by Election Services by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day; postmarks do not count.
Early voting will be offered at 11 locations across Buncombe County from Feb. 12-28. There will be no early voting on the first weekend, Feb. 14-15. Hours vary by date, with most weekday hours running from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Election officials will also provide a real-time wait map during early voting.
Early voting 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 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 (in lieu of BOE): 285 Livingston St., Asheville
- West Asheville Library: 942 Haywood Road, Asheville
On Election Day, March 3, polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters in line by closing time will be allowed to cast a ballot.
Voters are required to show photo identification when voting in person or returning an absentee ballot. Free voter photo IDs are available through Buncombe County Election Services.
Curbside voting will be available during early voting and on Election Day for voters who are unable to enter a polling place because of age or disability.
Buncombe County Election Services is also seeking poll workers for the primary, particularly for Election Day. Interested residents can contact the county’s recruiting department at 828-250-4224 for more information.
Key dates for the 2026 primary include
- Jan. 12: Absentee voting begins
- Feb. 6: Voter registration deadline
- Feb. 12: Early voting begins
- Feb. 17: Deadline to request an absentee ballot
- Feb. 28: Early voting ends
- March 3: Primary Election Day
- March 13: Canvass
Additional details, including early voting locations and voter ID requirements, are available at buncombenc.gov/vote.
