Voting in West Virginia

Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in West Virginia.

Vote By Mail Deadlines

Excuse required to vote by mail.

How Vote By Mail Works in West Virginia

Voting by mail is a two step process in West Virginia.

Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received is May 31st. You must have an excuse to qualify to vote with an absentee ballot.

Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.

• Return in person to your county clerk's office on or before June 5th, the day before Election Day.
• Or mail in your ballot - ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, June 6th, and received by five days after Election Day to be counted. To make your postmark date, put the ballot into your home mailbox for collection at least one day prior to ensure it is picked up and processed. You can also drop the ballot off at the post office before the last posted collection time on June 6th. We recommend returning ASAP as your ballot must be received within 5 days of Election Day. 

Click Here to See Your Ballot

Where to Sign Your Ballot

Remember to sign your return ballot.

After you complete your ballot, be sure to sign the voter form on outside of envelope No. 2.

Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

If you return your ballot by mail, your postage is prepaid.

You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office.

Can Someone Else Return Your Ballot For You?

Anyone may return a ballot on your behalf with your permission. Any person may not deliver more than 2 absentee ballots at one time.

Track Your Ballot

Track your ballot by clicking here.

Haven't used your ballot?

If you would like to vote in person, return your unused absentee ballot to your polling site and vote in person on Election Day. The poll workers will destroy your unused ballot in your presence.

Opportunities to Fix Challenges to Your Ballot

West Virginia does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.

Do Voters Need ID?

Voter ID in West Virginia

Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.

You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.

Early Voting Dates

You can vote early in West Virginia

Find early voting locations in your county here.

Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.

In West Virginia, you can preregister to vote if you are 17. Register to vote today!

Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!

You can vote in the West Virginia primaries if you are 17 by the next election.