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How to register to vote in West Virginia

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Summary

West Virginia offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in West Virginia by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Who can register to vote?

To register in West Virginia you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States
  • live in West Virginia at the address on your application
  • be 18 years old, or to vote in the primary be 17 years old and turning 18 before the general election
  • not be under conviction, probation, or parole for a felony, treason or election bribery
  • not have been judged "mentally incompetent" in a court of competent jurisdiction

Can I register to vote online?

  • West Virginia offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: you need a West Virginia driver's license or state ID card and a Social Security number to use West Virginia's online voter registration system. If you don't have a West Virginia-issued ID, you can still register by mail to vote.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: Enter your West Virginia driver’s license or DMV-issued non-driver’s ID number. If you do not have a West Virginia driver’s license or DMV-issued ID, enter the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have a driver’s license, DMV ID, or Social Security number, enter the word “NONE.” An ID number will be assigned to you.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: West Virginia recommends that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections. You should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in. However, both major parties allow unaffiliated voters to participate in their primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in W.V., or for the first time in this county, and you have not cast a vote in a federal election in this state, you must submit a copy of a current and valid ID with this application or show it the first time you vote. To submit with this form, include:
    • A copy of a current and valid photo ID, or
    • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and current residence address.
    • More information here.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

West Virginia does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in West Virginia. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using West Virginia's voter registration lookup tool.

Which election office should I contact?

  • In West Virginia, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in West Virginia. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.