Voters Guide May 8, 2012 West Virginia Primary Election
Democratic Candidate for West Virginia Secretary of State
CANDIDATE Natalie E. Tennant
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Kanawha
PARTY Democratic
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: I’m currently Secretary of State. We’ve made great strides in providing accessible elections, serving our state’s businesses and having transparency and accountability in state government. I have bachelors and masters degrees from WVU. Please visit www.natalietennant.com
QUESTION 1. Do you think it is a good idea to require voters to show a photo ID at the polls on Election Day? Why or why not?
ANSWER: Voting is a right, not a privilege. We require ID when registering. Our democracy is only as strong as our most vulnerable voter. Arbitrary barriers or unrealistic restrictions weaken those voters and our election process. Photo IDs could be used if we ensure no cost or disenfranchisement to any voter.
QUESTION 2. What changes in current election laws do you think are necessary?
ANSWER: Registering to vote online would strengthen the process and save time and money for clerks and SOS office. We’ve worked to clean up some of the code to strengthen the election process and we are working to re-codify the Election Chapter 3 of the State code.
Republican Candidate for West Virginia Secretary of State
CANDIDATE Brian Savilla
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE Mason
PARTY Republican
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: I am currently in the House of Delegates for the 14th District and a social studies teacher in Putnam County.
QUESTION 1. Do you think it is a good idea to require voters to show a photo ID at the polls on Election Day? Why or why not?
ANSWER: Yes, photo ID to vote is a good idea. Citizens must show their ID’s to do nearly everything today, except vote. It does not disenfranchise nor discriminate anymore than cashing a check or flying a plane. It simply adds further security to our elections.
QUESTION 2. What changes in current election laws do you think are necessary?
ANSWER: Changes to election laws need to be Voter ID, clarifying that no felons can run since the one from Lincoln County was able to, and increasing penalties on those who harm our elections. The rest is already set in place but is not enforced.
May 2012 Primary WV Secretary of State.doc