Early &
Mail-in Voting
in West Virginia

Warning: 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.

Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.

Request Your Mail-in BallotEarly VotingChange State

Vote Before Election Day

Vote Early In Person
05/24/2023
Early Voting Begins
06/03/2023
Early Voting Ends

Vote By Mail Deadlines

05/31/2023
Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
06/06/2023
Deadline to Return Ballot (Postmarked By)

In-Person Early Voting

You can vote early in your state before Election Day. Early voting begins on 05/24/2023 and ends on 06/03/2023

Find early voting locations in your county here.

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. 

Request Your Ballot See Your Ballot Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Excuse Needed to Vote Absentee

You need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. Excuses could include being sick or out of town, but it’s best to check with your state directly to see what counts as an excuse.

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.

Use The Right Form of ID

West Virginia voters must show valid photo ID when voting in person. Info here on what qualifies. You do not need to submit a copy of your photo ID when voting by mail.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

By Mail

Your postage is prepaid.

In Person

  • 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.

Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Make Sure Your Mail-in Vote Counts

Click here to track your ballot. Your state offers electronic, barcode ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted. Your state 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.

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.

Election Protection Hotline

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.

More about voting in West Virginia

Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.


Voting Info for West Virginia First Time Voter Info