Student Union Named ASU Early Voting Site

A decision has been made on a controversial early voting site in Watauga County. The Legends music venue on the campus of Appalachian State University will not be a place for voters to cast their ballots.

Last week, the State Board of Elections approved an early voting plan that included the Legends location on the Appalachian State University campus. But that decision was contingent upon officials gaining permission from the university to use it. According to the Watauga Democrat, that won't happen.

Supporters say Legends, an entertainment venue, better serves the entire community. But others say the building is in poor condition. The university says it lacks air conditioning, needs roof repairs and is also located in a flood zone.

Since the Watauga County Board of Elections was unable to secure the Legends site for early voting within the five days allotted, it now reverts to the Plemmons Student Union location on campus.

Some Watauga County election officials have raised concerns about the traffic at this site, as well as securing the buffer zone between voters and people passing out campaign literature.

Voter turnout on campus was 15,000 last year at the Plemmons location, and this year it's projected to top 17,000.

The student union site has been in the crosshairs before, when in 2014 the State Board of Elections moved to close it. During that standoff, the State Supreme Court weighed in, and left the voting spot in place.

*You can follow WFDD's Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news