Advocacy Resources

Election Information

How do I register to vote?
It’s critical that you ensure your voter registration is up-to-date and correct. Criteria to vote:

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be a resident of the county, and prior to voting in an election, must have resided at his or her residential address for at least 30 days prior to the date of the election.
Must be at least 18 years old or will be 18 by the date of the next general election.
Must not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction (including probation or on parole). If previously convicted of a felony, the person’s citizenship rights must be restored. Citizenship and voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of the sentence. No special document is needed.
Must rescind any previous registration in another county or state.
You can always register to vote at county election departments, local banks, any local DMV and most political party headquarters.

How do I find out about elections in my area? In addition to primary and general elections, there are special elections from time-to-time. You can find election results, analyses and special election information from Buncombe County Election Services.

Helpful links

Communicating with Elected Officials

How do I communicate with elected officials? Many business owners do not realize how a simple letter, phone call or email can influence legislators. This is especially true if you can initiate a letter writing campaign. Educating employees and other business owners on issues that are important to your company and that are political motivators is highly effective.

What are some tips for communicating with elected officials?

Identify yourself. Make sure the legislator is aware that you live or do business in his/her district.
Personalize your letter. Elected officials need to know how the legislation will affect your business.
Be specific. Refer to bill numbers whenever possible.
Ask for the legislator’s support or opposition.
Keep to the facts. Avoid emotional arguments.
Keep communication respectful. Never threaten your legislator.
Use your letterhead. Sign the letter and provide your contact information.
Remember that in some cities, the elected official is unpaid and often has another job or has his or her own business.

Testifying on Issues

How do I testify on issues I care about? At some point, you may want to provide testimony during a City Council or County Commission hearing. We can help prepare you for such an event, if you are testifying on an issue for which the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is taking a stand. Please notify us in advance when you are planning to provide testimony.

When should I provide testimony? We believe that our members can provide a unique and personal view on issues. In certain circumstances, we may call upon you to directly represent your company and to provide testimony.

How do I schedule a time to submit testimony? If you wish to testify on an issue, you can visit the county, city or state website to see where your issue falls on the agenda. Show up early for Council or County Commission hearings, and allow yourself plenty of time. Often, hearings can go long or short, be prepared to testify earlier than you had intended or later than you anticipated.

Do I need to sign up to testify? Generally, there will be a sign-up sheet or card outside or just inside the chambers. Provide all the information required on the card.

How do I address the elected officials? Opening remarks should always contain a formal introduction to the body, your name, and whom you are representing. Here is an example: “Thank you Mr. (Madame) Chair and Commissioner [for City Council: “Thank you Mr. (Madame) Mayor, Mr. (Madame) Vice-Mayor, and members of City Council.] My name is (insert name) and I am here today representing (insert company).” You can begin your testimony after a formal introduction is made. You will have two to three minutes depending on where you are speaking. Many people feel more comfortable reading a prepared statement. This enables you to touch on specific points you might forget once you are sitting at the testimony table. Remember to speak slowly, clearly and into the microphone provided. Want to see how you did? You can watch yourself on your local public access channel; the clerk provides air times.

What if they ask me questions? Sometimes members of the Commission or Council will ask you a question about your testimony. The proper response to any member asking a question is to acknowledge the person asking the question and then answer the question: “Thank you Mr. (Madame) Chair…” Everyone gets nervous, even seasoned professionals. Our best advice is to remain calm, and stick to your notes or prepared statement.

The 2021-2022 Asheville Metro Business & Industry Directory lists most major employers in the Asheville Metro Area (Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties) with 50 or more employees as well as manufacturers with five or more employees. Downloadable pdf file delivered after purchase. $75 for members; $100 for non-members.

Rankings

Best States for Government, North Carolina

2017 U.S News & World Report

Best Business Climate, North Carolina

2016 Site Selection

#12

Best Places for Business & Careers, Asheville

2015 Forbes

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Election Information

Conducting Research

Communicating with Elected Officials

Testifying on Issues

Contact Officials

Business & Industry Directory

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Rankings

Join the Chamber

Advocacy Resources

Take a Stance & Make Your Voice Heard

Quick Links

Election Information

Conducting Research

Communicating with Elected Officials

Testifying on Issues

Contact Officials

Business & Industry Directory

Your Resource on Asheville Metro Businesses

Rankings

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