Election Officials Say W.Va.’s Early Voting Figures Are Up

The last time there was a non-presidential primary election in West Virginia was 2022. There were 62,283 votes cast during early voting that year.  

Since then, the number of registered voters in the state has increased by more than 5% and early voting figures are up by more than 8%.  

Votes cast in-person from April 29 through May 10 total 67,356. That’s 5,073 more votes than 2022. 

The increase appears to be state–wide, in larger, more populous counties as well as small communities. 

“We’re excited that we have a higher turnout,” Secretary of State Kris Warner said. “I’ve been in 38 high schools, our staff has been in 57 high schools in the last year, and we’ve registered over 17,000 new high school seniors to vote. So, we’ve been promoting voter education and registration, and pointing out the importance of participation.”  

Warner said some people expected the new photo ID requirement and closing the Republican primary to non-Republicans would slow turnout – but so far that hasn’t happened.  

“In fact, every group that we’ve paid attention to, Democrats, Republicans, Mountain party, no party, every one of them, has shown an increase over the 2022 election,” Warner said.  

A valid photo ID includes a driver’s license, student, military or employment ID, a passport, or voter registration card with a photo attached.  

To find your polling place or see a sample ballot, visit GoVoteWV. Polls are open in all 55 counties on Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.