ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As voters head to the polls Tuesday, candidates and supporters across Asheville are making plans to gather and watch the results of the 2026 midterm election roll in.
Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Anyone in line when the polls close will still be allowed to vote. Voters must go to their assigned polling places and should bring an acceptable photo ID.
Buncombe County election officials are reminding voters that absentee ballots must be returned by 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. It’s too late to mail them, but completed ballots can be returned in person to the county elections office at 35 Woodfin St. in Asheville.
Voters can find their polling places through the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ Voter Search tool. Anyone with questions can call the Buncombe County Board of Elections at 828-250-4200.
Among the races on Tuesday’s ballot are Asheville’s mayoral contest between incumbent Esther Manheimer and challenger Kim Roney, the 11th Congressional District race between Democrat Jamie Ager and Republican Jennifer Balkcom and North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley.
The election follows record early voting in Buncombe County, where 96,838 people cast ballots before Election Day.
Several election night gatherings are planned around Asheville, including public watch parties and private events.
Kim Roney for Mayor
Roney and her supporters will gather at The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The public event will feature food, drinks, games, a DJ and campaign merchandise as supporters follow local, state and national election results.
Esther Manheimer for Mayor
Manheimer plans to watch election returns with supporters at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. on Merrimon Avenue.
The gathering will be in the restaurant’s game room after 7:30 p.m., Manheimer confirmed to 828newsNOW.
Buncombe Democrats’ Blue Wave Watch Party
Buncombe Democrats and Buncombe Young Democrats will gather at The Mule at Devil’s Foot, 131 Sweeten Creek Road, from 8 to 11 p.m.
The free event will feature a cash bar, nonalcoholic drinks and small plates catered by Daddy Mac’s. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance.
Buncombe County Republican Party
The Buncombe County Republican Party will hold its election night watch party at party headquarters, 18G Regent Park Blvd. in Asheville, beginning at 8 p.m.
The potluck gathering will feature food, games and election returns. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish, appetizer, dessert or snack to share.
The party said the gathering is private and members of the media will not be permitted.
Pizza & Pride Election Return Watch Party
Q-Hall Women’s Sports Bar, 81 Coxe Ave., will host a public election night party from 7 to 11 p.m.
The gathering will feature election results on multiple big screens, along with a complimentary pizza-and-wings buffet provided by AVL Stonewall Fest and Out & About Insurance.
The event is open to everyone.
