WEST VIRGINIA

Election Information

Upcoming Elections

2008 Presidential Primary Election: 5/13/08

2008 General Election: 11/4/08

Voter Registration Information

The Lawyers’ Committee and its pro bono law firm partners have compiled comprehensive third-party voter registration guides for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These guides will help volunteers, organizers, and leaders navigate the complex rules that govern voter registration in each state.

West Virginia Voter Registration Guide

Registration deadlines

21 days before an election

Specific Deadlines:

2008 Presidential Primary Election: 4/22/08
2008 General Election: 10/14/08

Where to Obtain Registration Forms

Register Online Now
Download registration form
County elections department

Absentee Voting

Absentee voting is allowed if the voter is:

Traveling out of the county from more than 20 days before the election to more than 3 days after
Unable to vote in person because of hours worked and distance from the county
Living in WV the majority of the time but living elsewhere for part of the year
Required to live outside the county for an extended period of time (up to four years) and the assignment is temporary
Unable to vote in person because health problems or a disability keep the voter confined
Under incarceration or detention in a jail or in a home, as long as the voter is not under conviction (including period of probation or parole) of any felony, of treason or of bribery in an election.
A member of the Armed Forces or a spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed forces
A U.S. citizen living overseas who will be at least 18 years of age before the next general election and whose last residence prior to going overseas was in WV

Rules and Deadlines

Absentee ballots can be found with the County Clerk and must be requested by six days before the election.
Ballots must be returned to the County Clerk.
Ballot must be received by Election Day.

Early Voting

Yes, for all registered voters starting 20 days before the election and ending 3 days before the election.

Identification Requirement

At registration:

Current and valid photo identification or
A current utility bill,
Bank statement,
Government check,
Paycheck,
Other government document that shows the name and address of the elector

At Polls, voter will be required to show ID:

If voting for the first time in WV,
If registered to vote by mail on or after January 1, 2003;and
If not previously met the identification requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

Current and valid photo identification or
A current utility bill,
Bank statement,
Government check,
Paycheck
Other government document that shows the name and address of the elector

How to check registration

Check online

How to locate polling place