Thousands of Buncombe County residents flock to the polls as early voting begins

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) – Thursday, October 17, was the first day of early voting in North Carolina.

A total of 5,700 residents cast ballots during in-person early voting in Buncombe County.

“There are a lot of people out there, it's really amazing,” said Corinne Duncan, Buncombe County's elections director.

Early voting begins Thursday in North Carolina: Here's what you need to know

Duncan believes that after Helene, the community is eager to have her voice heard.

That may have motivated people to come forward, and I think that after a crisis like this, there's a strong sense of community and coming together, and voting is another example of people coming together, and that's what they're showing “Certainly if you go to the polls today,” she said.

Those who missed the deadline to register to vote can register at an early voting website during the early voting period.

You can also register during early voting on the same day. So if you missed the registration deadline on the 11th, you can bring a photo ID and proof of residency to vote early,” Duncan said.

Many residents in Buncombe County are taking advantage of the opportunity to vote early.

Eric Souza and his wife were thrilled to be able to cast their vote early.

NORTH CAROLINA BEGINS IN-PERSON VOTING AS MOUNTAINS RECOVER FROM HELENE

“She really wanted to come and vote today,” he said. “The first time we’re voting with our two-year-old and our ten-month-old. She’s just really happy to be able to vote today.”

John Lambert, who lives in Asheville, added that this was an opportunity he simply couldn't pass up. He said he waited in line for an hour to vote, but it was a small price to pay to ensure his voice was heard.

It's the most important election in our history, just for starters. Voting gives us the illusion of choice. “This is where I fulfill my civic responsibility,” he said.

In Buncombe County, early voting will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends, until Saturday, November 2nd at 3 p.m

Below is a list of the 10 voting locations in Buncombe County:

• Black Mountain Library – 105 N. Dougherty St, Black Mountain, NC 28711
• East Asheville Library – 3 Avon Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
• Enka Candler Library – 1404 Sand Hill Rd, Candler, NC 28715
• Fairview Library -1 Taylor Rd, Fairview, NC 28730
• Leicester Community Center – 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester, NC 28748
• South Buncombe Library -260 Overlook Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
• UNCA Health and Counseling Center – 118 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804
• Weaverville Community Center -60 Lakeshore Dr, Weaverville, NC 28787
• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center -285 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801
• West Asheville Library – 942 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

For more information on what to bring to vote, click here Here.