West Virginia voter registration guide: Deadlines, options to vote, what to know

Sara Chernikoff, USA TODAY
·4 min read
Voters head to the polls as early voting begins, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, at the Cabell County Courthouse in Huntington, W.Va.
Voters head to the polls as early voting begins, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, at the Cabell County Courthouse in Huntington, W.Va.

It may seem early to be thinking about voting in West Virginia's state primary elections, but candidates who want to appear on the ballot must formally declare their candidacy by Jan. 27. You might as well get to know your own deadlines as voters who want their voice heard.

The presidential and state primary elections will both be held on Tuesday, May 14. Primary elections determine each qualified party's nomination of candidates for federal offices, as well as state and county offices.

Party candidates who win the primaries qualify to appear on the general election ballot on Nov. 5, 2024.

Remembering if you're registered to vote, or figuring out how to register for the first time, can be confusing so let's break it down.

VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS: Check to see if you're registered to vote in West Virginia

How to register to vote in West Virginia

To be eligible to register to vote in West Virginia you must meet the following three criteria: be a U.S. citizen, live in the state and turn 18 by the general election.

To vote in a referendum or general election, you must be registered in the community where you live and be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old can vote in a primary election only if that person will be 18 by the general election.

West Virginia does not allow same-day voter registration.

Voter registration deadlines are as follows:

  • Mail: Applications must be postmarked by April 23

  • In person: By Tuesday, April 23

  • Online: By Tuesday April 23

How to vote early in West Virginia

You can vote early in West Virginia at least 13 days before the election, according to Rock The Vote. The last day to vote early is three days before Election Day.

No reason is required to vote early in West Virginia. You can find your voting locations here.

A valid for of ID is required to vote early in the state. According to Rock The Vote, the following items are examples of valid ID: Voter registration card, Medicare card or Social Security card, birth certificate, or any listed here.

Request a mail-in/absentee ballot

Eligible voters must provide an approved excuse to vote absentee in West Virginia. The following reasons qualify voters for a mail-in ballot:

  • Have an illness, injury or other medical reason (including displaying COVID-19 symptoms, exposure a COVID-19 positive individual, or are quarantined for a medical reason).

  • Are disabled or of advanced age.

  • Are incarcerated or on home detention and are otherwise eligible

  • Are disabled and do not have an accessible early voting site or polling place.

  • Will be traveling for personal or business reasons and have an address outside of the county.

  • Are attending college or other place of education or training outside of the county.

  • Are temporarily residing outside of the county.

  • Are an elected or appointed state or federal official.

  • Are covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

  • Are in the hospital on Election Day.

  • Are a last-minute replacement poll worker.

The county commission may extend emergency absentee ballots for other qualifying reasons.

You can request an absentee ballot by clicking here.

The application process opens on Jan. 1 and the deadline to request an absentee ballot is the sixth day before each election, regardless if you're submitting your request by mail or in-person. Only uniformed and overseas citizens and voters with disabilities can fill out absentee ballot applications online.

Return your completed ballot

You can drop off your completed ballot in person. Rock the Vote recommends contacting your local election official if you need more information.

Ballots may be returned by mail or in person. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received five days after Election Day. Those dropping off their ballots in person must turn them in a day before Election Day.

You can find your ballot drop-off locations here. You can also track your ballot online with your state here.

Certain designated individuals are allowed to drop off a ballot for someone else in West Virginia. For more information, contact your local election official.

Voting in-person on Election Day

If you plan on voting in person on Election Day, you can find your voting location options here. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: West Virginia voter registration guide: What you need to know