The upcoming election is a presidential primary. Learn About Presidential Primaries
Learn about all the options to vote in West Virginia to make a plan to vote that works for you!
West Virginia Board of Elections Phone Number: (304) 558-6000
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Request and track
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.
Excuse required to vote by mail.
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.
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.
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.
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 by clicking here.
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.
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.
Voters in West Virginia must show ID to cast their vote at the polls. The following IDs are acceptable:
Must be valid and unexpired.
Non-photo ID
Photo ID
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open
If you are registered with the Republican or Democratic party, you are only allowed to vote in their primaries. If you are unaffiliated with a political party, you may select either party’s ballot at the polls and remain unaffiliated.
See West Virginia Republican Party or Democratic Party sites for more details.
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.
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.
