Register to Vote

You may register to vote in West Virginia if you are a U.S. citizen and a resident of the county in which you register. You must be at least 17 years old, and 18 before the next General Election. (Seventeen year olds may register and vote in primary elections, if they turn 18 by the next General Election.)

You may register at any time. However, to be eligible to vote in a specific election, you must register 21 days before that election.

You may register to vote at the County Clerk’s office in the county in which you reside. Use the link below to find the location of the clerk’s office in your county:

http://www.sos.wv.gov/public-services/contacts/Pages/ClerkCountyComm.aspx

You may also register at the Division of Motor Vehicles and other designated state offices. You may register by mail by requesting an application from the Secretary of State or county clerk or by downloading the form from the Secretary of State’s website. For more information about voter registration requirements, visit the website at:

https://ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register/Landing

West Virginia Voter’s Bill of Rights

Know Your Voting Rights

  1. Vote in a scheduled election if you meet the following criteria:
    1. You are a U.S. citizen and West Virginia resident;
    2. You will be 18 years old by the time of the general or special election;
    3. You are not currently serving a sentence, on probation or on parole for a felony conviction, bribery in an election or treason;
    4. You have not been determined to be mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction unless this determination is no longer in effect;
    5. You live within the precinct where the election is being held;
    6. You are registered to vote in the county at least 21 days before the election.
  2. Cast your ballot in a non-disruptive atmosphere free of interference.
  3. Vote if you are in line by 7:30 pm on Election Day.
  4. Request assistance in voting, if needed.
  5. Protect the secrecy of your ballot.
  6. Receive a new ballot if you make a mistake or change your mind before you cast your ballot.
  7. Have your ballot counted fairly and accurately.
  8. Request, receive and vote a provisional ballot if there is any question about your eligibility to vote and find out whether your vote was counted.
  9. Have complaints about elections and election contests resolved fairly, accurately, and efficiently.
  10. Have non-discriminatory, equal access to the voting process.
  11. Choose not to vote in an election. You will not be penalized.
  12. Skip races on your ballot. You are not required to vote in every contest. Blank sections on your ballot will not affect any of the other votes you have cast.
 If You Believe Your Voting Rights Have Been Violated, Please Contact:

West Virginia Secretary of State
1-304-558-6000 or 1-866-767-8683
Building 1, Suite 157-K
1900 Kanawha Blvd, E
Charleston, WV 25305

Provided by the Secretary of State’s Website.