Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:33 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:12 a.m. UTC
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Summary
West Virginia offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person. West Virginia offers early voting.
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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
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on West Virginia's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, West Virginia does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show a valid and non-expired ID to vote in West Virginia.
Acceptable forms include:
- voter registration card
- WV driver's license or other WV ID issued by the DMV
- driver's license issued by another state
- US passport or passport card
- Military ID card issued by the US government
- US or WV government employee ID
- Student ID
- concealed carry permit
- bank or debit card
- utility bill or bank statement issued within 6 months of the date of the election
- health insurance card
- Medicare card
- Social Security card
- birth certificate
- WV hunting or fishing license
- WV SNAP ID card
- WV TANF program ID card
- WV Medicaid ID card, or other current government document that shows your name
If you're a first-time voter who registered to vote by mail, you'll need to show proof of residence to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- photo ID
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other current government document that shows your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. You may be able to vote a regular ballot if a poll worker has known you for at least six months prior to the election, an adult who has known you for at least six months accompanies you and signs an affidavit certifying your identity, or you are a resident of a licensed state care facility and your polling place is in that facility.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on West Virginia’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, West Virginia does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show a valid and non-expired ID to vote in West Virginia.
Acceptable forms include:
- voter registration card
- WV driver's license or other WV ID issued by the DMV
- driver's license issued by another state
- US passport or passport card
- Military ID card issued by the US government
- US or WV government employee ID
- Student ID
- concealed carry permit
- bank or debit card
- utility bill or bank statement issued within 6 months of the date of the election
- health insurance card
- Medicare card
- Social Security card
- birth certificate
- WV hunting or fishing license
- WV SNAP ID card
- WV TANF program ID card
- WV Medicaid ID card, or other current government document that shows your name
If you're a first-time voter who registered to vote by mail, you'll need to show proof of residence to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- photo ID
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other current government document that shows your name and address
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. You may be able to vote a regular ballot if a poll worker has known you for at least six months prior to the election, an adult who has known you for at least six months accompanies you and signs an affidavit certifying your identity, or you are a resident of a licensed state care facility and your polling place is in that facility.
How do I vote by mail?
West Virginia allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on West Virginia's site.
How do I get my ballot?
Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on West Virginia’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
West Virginia does not offer registration on Election Day.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the West Virginia Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
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:
- 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.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- 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.
How do I contact my state election office?
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.