From Staff Reports

UNC Asheville will still serve as a host site for early voting beginning Oct. 17, in partnership with the Buncombe County Board of Elections, despite challenges presented by the unprecedented impact of Helene. 

UNCA had originally planned to host early voting in Highsmith Student Union, but since the campus remains under Condition 3 (closed) status until at least Oct. 21, a request was made to switch the site to an adjacent University facility separate from the main campus.

Voters can now cast early ballots at 118 W.T. Weaver Boulevard, in the building that is home to the UNCA Health and Counseling Center. The new site, midway between Merrimon Avenue and Broadway Street, provides easy access for voters and also offers ample parking and convenience.

The early voting site will be open from Oct. 17 to Nov. 1 (including weekends) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Given our longstanding commitment to civic engagement, we appreciate the opportunity to serve the community as an early voting site,” UNCA Chancellor Kimberly van Noort said. “We are grateful to the Board of the Elections for their flexibility in allowing us to change venues, so we can still play a part in this important civic duty.”

The Fall 2024 academic term at UNCA has been designated as the Semester of Civics, and a full lineup of events was well underway before the arrival of Helene. 

A student-led initiative with wide campus participation and support, the programming demonstrated the University’s commitment to civic engagement, electoral participation, civil discourse, and democratic practices.

The nonpartisan UNC Asheville Votes effort has been integrally involved in related activities. Helpful resources for voters can be found on their webpage at new.unca.edu/unca-votes/.