ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Early voting for the 2026 primary election remains underway across Buncombe County, with all 11 sites open Monday despite wintry weather.

More than 13,500 voters have already cast ballots during the early voting period, according to Buncombe County Elections Director Corinne Duncan. Turnout so far has outpaced participation in the 2024 primary and is approaching 2020 primary levels, Duncan saidin a Facebook live.

Early voting runs through Saturday, Feb. 28. Sites are open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day, Saturday.

Voters may cast ballots at any early voting location in the county. Same-day registration is available during the early voting period, but not on Election Day, March 3. A photo ID is required to vote.

Primary elections determine which candidates will advance to the general election. Depending on party affiliation and residence, ballots may include races for U.S. House and Senate, judicial seats, district attorney, Buncombe County commissioner District 2, sheriff and Asheville City Council. Unaffiliated voters may participate by choosing a party ballot.

Duncan said there have been no significant lines so far but expects turnout to increase later in the week, with Saturday likely to be the busiest day.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail has passed. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day (March 3) to be counted. Ballots may be returned by mail, to the elections office or to an early voting site, but not to Election Day polling locations.

On Election Day, voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct. County officials said eight of the county’s 80 Election Day polling places have changed because of ongoing recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Helene. Affected voters were notified by mail and can verify their polling place using the state’s voter search tool.

All polling sites offer accessible voting equipment, curbside voting for those unable to enter a polling place because of age or disability and language assistance. Voters without an acceptable photo ID may obtain a free voter ID from the county elections office.

County officials also addressed questions about letters some voters received from the North Carolina State Board of Elections requesting updated identifying information, such as a driver’s license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number. Officials said responding to the letters is voluntary and does not affect voter registration status.

Voting locations, wait times and additional information are available at buncombe.nc.gov/vote.