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 Candidate Forum
Monday, September 28 | Wortham Center
5:00 PM: Meet the Candidates & Get Voter Information
Arrive early to meet candidates, visit candidate tables, and get nonpartisan voter information from the League of Women Voters before the moderated Candidate Forum begins.
5:30 PM: Candidate Forum Begins
Hear directly from candidates for Buncombe County Commission, Asheville City Council, and Asheville Mayor about the issues shaping Asheville and Buncombe County..
Co-hosted by organizations representing arts and culture, small businesses, restaurants, hospitality, and the broader business community, the forum will give candidates an opportunity to address some of the interconnected issues shaping Asheville and Buncombe County’s future.
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.
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.
Housing in Asheville–Buncombe: An Arts AVL Brief for Arts Professionals & Supporters
Explore Asheville-Buncombe’s housing challenges through an arts lens, including impacts on artists, arts workers, and the broader creative workforce.
Important Dates
General Election Countdown
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
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
