In a decision that followed intense scrutiny and debate, the Buncombe County Board of Elections has ruled in favor of two candidates facing challenges in the upcoming elections. Asheville Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley and Victor “Vic” Morman have both been cleared to run in their respective races.
During the well-attended hearings, challenger John Miall raised concerns about Mosley’s residency and voting history, citing reports that she had received a tax break on an Atlanta property intended for permanent residents. Additionally, her voting activity in both Georgia and North Carolina during 2012 and 2014 elections was questioned.
Mosley, in her sworn testimony, clarified that she moved to Asheville in 2016 and was unaware of the continued tax exemption on her former property. Upon realizing this, she sought to have it removed retroactively. Her legal representative, Eugene Ellison, maintained that past voting records were irrelevant to her current candidacy.
Questions also arose regarding Mosley’s place of residence. She acknowledged not residing at her registered Kenilworth address due to storm damage but presented a lease for an Asheville apartment where she has lived since 2017. Mosley explained her decision to live in the apartment full-time for safety reasons following personal security concerns at the family home.
Activists clarified that tombstones placed at Mosley’s residence were intended as protest art, not as threats, while the Asheville Police Department reported no related incidents filed at that address.
Miall’s challenge was supported by Heather Boyd, who presented records to substantiate his claims about Mosley’s voting and tax history. However, Ellison questioned the significance of these findings, prompting a heated exchange during the hearing.
Ultimately, the board unanimously dismissed the challenge, acknowledging unresolved questions beyond their jurisdiction. However, concerns regarding Mosley’s past continue to be explored by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Morman’s Eligibility Confirmed
Similar scrutiny was applied to Victor “Vic” Morman’s candidacy for Buncombe County Sheriff. Contestant Tina Lunsford challenged his eligibility based on the timing of his party affiliation change. She argued that Morman’s switch from Democrat to Republican did not meet the 90-day requirement before filing.
Morman countered this with evidence from the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles showing his affiliation change was filed on September 19, meeting the required timeline. The board, with one abstention, accepted this documentation as adequate proof, allowing Morman to remain on the ballot.
To access the full recording and documents from the hearings, follow the provided links.
