En español | West Virginia offers several ways to register to vote, including online, by mail and in person. Eligible residents who obtain or renew a driver’s license in person at the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles will be automatically registered to vote unless they opt out.
West Virginia’s Nov. 8 general election decided races for the U.S. House of Representatives, the State Senate and House of Delegates, and other state, county and municipal offices.
The state's recent redistricting plan redrew the boundaries for U.S. House districts and created new single-delegate districts for the 100-member House of Delegates.
West Virginians who obtain or renew a driver’s license in person at the Department of Motor Vehicles will be automatically registered to vote unless they opt out. West Virginia does not permit voters to register on Election Day.
West Virginia has a hybrid primary system that permits parties to determine for themselves whether unaffiliated voters may vote in their primaries. If you are party affiliated, you must vote for candidates from that party. If you want to change your party affiliation, you must do so 21 days before the primary. You are not obligated to be affiliated with a party to vote in the general election.
Your completed absentee ballot must be mailed and postmarked by Election Day. Hand-delivered absentee ballots must be taken to your county clerk’s office 24 hours before Election Day. Voters do not have to personally return their completed absentee ballots, but no one person may deliver more than two voters' absentee ballots.
Yes. You can track your absentee ballot using West Virginia’s online tracking tool.
Check the state elections website to find out when the early voter period takes place ahead of scheduled elections. You can also check with your county clerk’s office. West Virginia does not provide drop boxes for early voters.
Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Find your polling place on the state elections website.
Yes. All forms of acceptable ID, such as a driver’s license, U.S. passport, birth certificate or voter registration card, must be current — not expired. You won’t need ID if you’re voting absentee or if you fall under the three categories of exempt voters, including residents of state-run long-term care facilities.
First-time voters who haven’t provided ID when registering to vote must provide a state-approved ID. If you are a registered voter and cannot get an approved ID, you may apply for a free voter ID card at your county clerk's office. Applications must be submitted in person.
Editor’s note: This guide was updated on Nov. 28, 2022. The guide was first published on Aug. 5, 2020.
This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the AARP West Virginia page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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