The Buncombe County Board of Elections voted to certify the results of the 2024 election on Nov. 15, officially ending an election process that was completed under unusual conditions as the county continues to deal with the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.
The certification vote is the final step in the canvas process that takes place over the 10 days that follow the election and also involves several audit processes intended to verify that votes have been counted and tabulated correctly.
During the canvass period, election officials count absentee ballots and research provisional ballots, which are cast when voters cannot present a photo ID, to attempt to determine if they were cast by an eligible voter and should be counted. This is also when recount processes occur, if necessary.
Buncombe County Election Services Director Corinne Duncan said in a statement that the work that goes into certifying an election is a labor intensive and important process that helps voters have confidence in casting their vote and ensures results are both timely and accurate.