The 2026 Election Kicks Off
Below are sections describing the structure and requirements for voting in West Virginia:
- The Primary Election
- The General Election
- Absentee Ballots
- Early Voting, and
- Casting Your Ballot on Election Day.
The Primary Election
The 2026 primary elections was held on May 12, 2026.
Voters registered as Democrats automatically received a Democratic ballot to fill out. Those registered as Independents had to request a Democratic ballot at their polling place. Voters registered as Republicans or some other party cannot vote on a Democratic party ballot.
The entire 2026 Elections Calendar can be seen here.
The General Election
The 2026 general election will be held November 3, 2026. The deadline for registering to vote in the general election is October 13, 2026.
In the General Election all voters, irrespective of party, will receive the same ballot. On this ballot all candidates selected through the Primary Election will be listed. The choices you will make will be for one or another of the candidates depending on party affiliation. You also will have the option of writing in someone’s name instead of a party candidate.
The entire 2026 Elections Calendar can be seen here.
Absentee Ballots
Voting absentee has complicated rules and deadlines. If you intend to vote absentee, it’s best to directly consult the WV Secretary of State website. Scroll down to the section titled: Election Dates & Deadlines for information.
Early Voting
Early voting for the Primary Election 2026 was conducted between April 29 and May 9 (excepting Sunday May 3) at the Jefferson County Government Complex 393 North Lawrence St, Charles Town.
Early in-person voting for the General Election 2026 will take between October 21 through October 31 at the same address as above.
Cast Your Ballot on Election Day
You will need to bring picture identification to your polling place. Below is a link to what you’ll need to identify yourself.
Do you know where your polling place is? Many polling places have changed. You can find your polling place by clicking on the button below.