Early Voting Begins Wednesday as Secretary of State Warner Shares Election Information

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Early voting begins Wednesday across West Virginia, and Secretary of State Kris Warner is reminding residents to rely on official election information as the state prepares for the November 3 general election.

Early voting runs from October 21 through October 31, giving registered voters an opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day.

The upcoming election also marks the first statewide general election conducted under West Virginia's new photo identification requirement for in-person voting.

Warner's office has recently emphasized the importance of obtaining accurate information directly from state election officials and county clerks, particularly as election-related information circulates through social media and other sources.

“Our office and our county clerks are the trusted sources for information about what West Virginia law requires and how our elections are conducted,” Warner said in an October 14 announcement. “We encourage election officials and the public to verify election-related information with us before relying on outside sources.”

The reminder followed reports received by the Secretary of State's Office concerning election-related training offered by organizations outside the state's official election administration structure. Warner emphasized that such training should not be confused with official guidance on West Virginia election law and procedures.

The Secretary of State's Office is directing residents to GoVoteWV.com, the state's official election information website, for resources including voter registration verification, election information, polling locations and sample ballots.

Residents can also find contact information for local election officials through the state's County Clerk Directory.

The election preparations come as West Virginia reports nearly 18,000 new voter registrations since the May primary election.

In an update released Monday, Warner announced that 17,872 West Virginians had registered since May 12, bringing the statewide total to 1,210,297 registered voters.

Republicans account for the largest share of registered voters with 527,532, followed by 326,697 Democrats and 307,373 voters with no party affiliation. The remaining registrations include voters affiliated with other political parties.

The state's voter registration deadline for the November general election was October 13.

Warner's office is also providing information about the state's updated voter identification requirements and the exceptions available under state law. Additional details are available through the official voter identification information page.

The Secretary of State's complete announcements on official election information and updated statewide voter registration totals are also available online.