Voter Registration Teams Fan Out Across The State

Tuesday marked National Voter Registration Day, and representatives from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office spread out across the state to encourage residents to register and stay engaged in elections.

From Morgantown to Huntington, Wheeling to Bluefield, staff members set up booths and spoke with residents about how to register, update their information and prepare for upcoming elections. Officials said the outreach is meant to highlight that voting matters in every race, from local contests to national campaigns.

Lee Dean is the senior field representative for the Secretary of State’s office. He said too many people think elections only matter when the president is on the ballot.

“Every vote counts. Take all elections seriously,” Dean said. “Research candidates, get involved, go to city council meetings, go to your county commission meetings. Do your best to keep up.”

Dean emphasized that local and state elections are equally important, as they often have a direct impact on residents’ daily lives.

“Here locally, every county will have a county commissioner on the ballot,” Dean said. “There’s always something on the ballot that impacts our lives.”

According to Dean, voting has never been easier. The process allows for both electronic and handwritten ballots, and residents can have peace of mind knowing multiple verification steps are in place to ensure accuracy.

On Marshall University’s campus, students were encouraged to ask questions and learn how to get involved. Jennifer Robinette, program coordinator for the Drinko Academy and the Simon Perry Center for Constitutional Democracy, said that voting is essential.

“Voting is the most important thing you can do as an American, because you are contributing your voice to our democracy,” Robinette said. “I think that is incredibly important.”

The outreach teams also reminded residents they can register or update their information anytime online. Dean said the ultimate goal is simple — getting more West Virginians aware, active and participating in their communities.

For details on voter registration, click here.

This report was produced thanks to a partnership between Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications and West Virginia Public Broadcasting.