West Virginia Voting Guide

When is West Virginia's voter registration deadline?

No matter how you register to vote, you must do so at least 21 days before Election Day. This is true for local elections and general elections. West Virginia doesn't allow voters to register on the last day before the election date or complete same-day registration.

If you submit your registration application by mail, allow plenty of time for the election office to send your forms. You don’t want to lose the right to vote because the election offices received your paper documents too late.

Check your registration status far enough before an election to allow yourself time to correct any issues.

How do I request an absentee ballot in West Virginia?

If you are eligible for absentee voting, you can fill out a West Virginia Absentee Ballot Application and submit it via fax, e-mail, mail, or in person to your local County Clerk six days before the election. If you’re a first-time voter, include a copy verifying your identity, such as a valid ID, utility bill, or bank statement.

Under specific circumstances stated on the application, you may qualify for an Emergency Absent Voter's Ballot. If eligible, you can submit an Application for Voting an Emergency Absent Voter's Ballot to your County Clerk.

Voters who qualify under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) can file their votes online.  

Is there early voting in West Virginia?

West Virginia offers the opportunity for early voting. The regular early voting period begins 13 days before the election and ends three days before the election. Voting will be available during regular business hours and located in or near your county courthouse.

Check with your county clerk for more information.

What do I need to bring to the polls in West Virginia?

Under most circumstances, you must show some form of form of identification when you go to the polls. The law usually requires citizens to present a valid form of ID that contains their name. You can show a photo ID or a non-photo ID.

Examples of acceptable photo ID include:

• West Virginia Driver's license
• U.S. Passport
• Student ID card

Acceptable forms of non-photo ID that meet the ID requirements include:

• Voter registration card
• Utility bill
• Debit card
• Medicare card/Medicaid card
• Bank statement
• Military ID
• Health insurance card
• Social Security card
• Fishing license
• Birth Certificate
• Government documents with your name on them

For additional information regarding acceptable ID and exceptions to the voter ID rule, you can visit the Be Registered and Ready page of the West Virginia Secretary of State's website.

What special accommodations are available?

People from special groups have the right to assistance in state elections at polling places.

If you belong to the following groups, you can request help from a poll worker, election official, or another election worker:

• Voters who are blind
• People with a physical disability
• Older voters
• Illiterate citizens
• Residents of nursing homes or other care facilities

If you have a disability and can vote with the proper equipment, you can use an ADA-compliant machine to cast your ballot. If you require assistance, you can enlist a person of your choosing or poll workers of opposing political parties.

You'll find information on polling place accessibility on the West Virginia Secretary of State's website.

What should I do if I see something illegal at the polls?

If you witness illegal activity at the polls, you should notify a poll worker, your County Clerk, and possibly the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office. Even if you think it’s minor, it’s worth mentioning it to a worker, volunteer, or election official.

A West Virginia Voting Rights Lawyer Can Help

Contact a West Virginia attorney if someone has violated your civil rights. They can answer any questions about West Virginia’s voting laws and provide you with additional election information.