2026 ELECTION
As part of this work, ArtsAVL connects voters with information about where local candidates stand on issues affecting arts and culture, the creative workforce, and the broader community. Through candidate surveys, issue briefs, and public forums, we provide opportunities for candidates to address the policy choices shaping Asheville and Buncombe County—and help arts professionals and supporters understand what’s at stake.
ArtsAVL does not endorse candidates. Our goal is to provide accessible, nonpartisan information so voters can make informed decisions—and so arts and culture remain part of the public conversation during every election cycle.
2026 Asheville-Buncombe Candidate Forum on Our Local Economy
September 28, 2026 | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
Thank you to the more than 300 community members who joined us for the 2026 Asheville-Buncombe Candidate Forum on Our Local Economy.
The forum brought together candidates for Buncombe County Commission, Asheville City Council, and Asheville Mayor for conversations about the interconnected issues shaping our local economy and the future of Asheville and Buncombe County.
The evening was co-hosted by ArtsAVL, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Asheville Independent Restaurants, Go Local Asheville, and the Asheville-Buncombe Hotel Association.
Watch & Listen
In the News
GET INFORMED BEFORE THE FORUM
ArtsAVL Briefs provide nonpartisan background on some of the issues local candidates will be asked to address. Designed for arts professionals and supporters, each brief breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and what local government can—and can’t—do about it.
Arts & Culture in the Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan: An Arts AVL Brief for Arts Professionals & Supporters
Explore Western North Carolina’s Economic Recovery Plan through an arts lens, including what it proposes for the creative economy, regional coordination, and long-term recovery.
Transportation & Parking in Asheville–Buncombe: An Arts AVL Brief for Arts Professionals & Supporters
Explore Asheville-Buncombe’s transportation and parking challenges through an arts lens, including impacts on artists, arts workers, and the creative workforce.
Public Safety in Asheville–Buncombe: An Arts AVL Brief for Arts Professionals & Supporters
Explore Asheville-Buncombe’s public safety challenges through an arts lens, including impacts on artists, arts workers, cultural organizations, and creative businesses.
Important Dates
General Election Countdown
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Sept. 4: Absentee Voting Begins
Oct. 9: Voter Registration Deadline
Oct. 20 at 5pm: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot
Oct. 15-31: Early Voting Dates
Nov. 3: General Election Date
2026 General Election Candidates
Voter Resources
Check My Registration | Find Early Voting Locations | Request an Absentee Ballot | View My Sample Ballot
