Voters across Western North Carolina are participating early in the 2026 general election, and Buncombe County is seeing especially strong numbers.

By Friday, October 23, Buncombe's early-voting turnout was reported at nearly 60 percent above the comparable point in the 2022 midterm election.

The same update put participation about 23 percent higher than the comparable 2018 figure.

The heightened activity is part of a wider statewide pattern in early in-person voting, although local election officials caution that early turnout does not automatically predict final total turnout.

Some voters may simply be choosing to cast their ballots earlier rather than waiting until November 3.

North Carolina's early-voting period is scheduled to end on Saturday, October 31 at 3 p.m.

Voting sites and available hours vary by county, making it important for residents to check the official schedule for their own location.

Voters should also review the state's photo-identification requirements and take the appropriate identification when heading to the polls.

Anyone using an absentee ballot should verify the return deadline and envelope requirements rather than relying on instructions from previous elections.

With the final early-voting days approaching, a little preparation can prevent an unnecessary second trip.

The county-by-county turnout figures will become clearer after Election Day, when officials can compare early, absentee and in-person participation.