Six candidates advanced to the November general election for the Asheville City Council after a nonpartisan primary in which 20 candidates participated.
According to unofficial results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections,(NCSBE)(for its acronym in English), the most voted were the Buncombe County Commissioner, Drew Ballwith 16.54% of the votes. Furthermore, the current councilwoman Maggie Ullman It obtained 16.24%.
They also made progress Jeffrey Burroughs (7%), Keith Young (6.5%), Antanette Mosley (6.34%), and Sheneika Smith (6.15%). Therefore, all six will appear on the ballot on November 3, 2026. On that date, voters will elect three of them to fill the available seats on the City Council.
The results These results represent 80 of the 80 precincts reported in Buncombe County and are still preliminary. The State Board of Elections will now begin the audit process known as canvass, which lasts approximately ten days. The results will be officially certified on March 13.
Primary school with 20 applicants
The Asheville City Council election was the local race with the largest number of candidates in these primaryIn total, 20 residents applied for three available positions in the municipal government.
In addition to the six finalists, other candidates who participated in the primary included names such as Nina Ireland, Demetrio Perez, Chad Nesbitt, Kim Roney, and Cody Spence. Several other hopefuls also participated.
The number of candidates reflected widespread interest in participating in local politics. This came at a time when the city is grappling with debates about affordable housing, urban development, and the county's recovery from Hurricane Helene.
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Voter turnout in Buncombe
According to preliminary data from Buncombe County, 54.875 people voted in the 2026 primaries, which represents 25.77% of the 212.915 registered voters.
Of the total, 30.777 votes were cast during the early voting, 23.267 on election day in the voting centers and 831 by mail.
La participación It was lower than in the 2024 primaries. Back then, about 59.000 people went to the polls, and it was at a similar level to 2022. That year there were around 54.000 voters.
County elections director Corinne Duncan said in a statement that electoral process The process unfolded normally. Meanwhile, authorities began an official review of the results.
Related: Resilience at the ballot box: Buncombe votes in record numbers despite Helene devastation
Three councilors seek to retain their positions
Among the six candidates who advanced to the general election are three current council members seeking re-election: Maggie Ullman, Antanette Mosley, and Sheneika Smith.
The other three finalists are Drew Ball is the current Buncombe County Commissioner. Jeffrey Burroughs is a businessman in the River Arts District. Keith Young previously served on the Asheville City Council.
The general election on November 3 will determine who will occupy the three available seats in the municipal government.
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Other primary results in Buncombe
In addition to the Asheville City Council race, the primaries determined several local and state candidates who will advance to the general election.
In the race for U.S. House of Representatives' 11th District, Republican Chuck Edwards won his primary with over 70% of the vote. Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Jamie Ager garnered 72% of the vote in a five-candidate contest. The two will face off in the general election in November.
In the Republican primary for Buncombe County Sheriff, Gary Parris defeated Vic Morman by more than 5.000 votes. He will now face incumbent Sheriff Quentin Miller in the November general election.
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