At its Nov. 13 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Elections voted to disapprove an absentee ballot that was postmarked Nov. 6 and received after Election Day, and reviewed procedures for a Nov. 14 canvass when members will review audits and may certify results.

Elections staff outlined the Canvas Day process, saying the board will review audits for each voting type, examine tapes and reports and consider any special cases that might require manual edits before certification. "If you are, then you will certify the election. That that's what makes the results official," Elections staff said, explaining that certification by the board makes the results final for the county.

Board member Jake moved to disapprove the single ballot presented to the board, saying, "I would make a motion to disapprove the ballot that was presented to us for review, for the reason that it was postmarked after the election and as a result, received after the election. So we can't count it." The chair seconded the motion and the board voted verbally in favor.

Elections staff confirmed the disapproved ballot "will remain sealed. It will not be opened, and it will go into our archive." Staff also said they would circulate an absentee abstract showing zero returned mailed UOCAVA ballots for signatures and then notarize it. Staff noted the provisional audit for this election has six ballots and other audits (absentee, early voting, Election Day) will be presented by staff members assigned to each audit.

Staff reviewed deadlines tied to the canvass: the deadline to file a protest is two business days after the canvass (staff gave the example of Tuesday the 18th), and the deadline to request a recount is the Monday after the canvass at 5 p.m. The board was told Canvas Day is scheduled for Nov. 14 at 11:00 a.m. at 35 Woodfin, where members will review materials and, if satisfied, sign the abstract and complete notarization.

The meeting closed after the board set logistics for the canvass. The board adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for the Nov. 14 Canvas Day.