ELECTIONS
West Virginia primary elections: When do polls open, and when do they close?
Voters will head to the polls today in West Virginia. What you need to know about registering, finding your polling place, the candidates, and when to expect results.
It is election day in West Virginia, and the state’s residents are heading to the polls to cast their ballots in the primaries. Though these primaries are fairly anti-climatic, with voters able to place high bets on President Biden and former President Donald Trump leading their respective tickets, down-ballot races should encourage voters to turnout.
What time will the polls open and close?
The polls will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., giving voters time before and after work to cast their ballot. To find your polling location, you can use this tool developed by the West Virginia Secretary of State, which will ask that you provide your first and last name and birthday.
Is it too late to register?
Yes. The deadline to vote in today’s election has passed. However, the deadline to vote in the town and city elections that will take place on Tuesday, 4 June, is today, Tuesday, 14 May. A few localities are holding those municipal elections on Tuesday, 11 June, and the deadline to vote in those elections is Tuesday, 21 May. So, if you are unregistered, fill out all the required forms today to vote early next month.
What is on the ballot?
In addition to the presidential primary, West Virginians will also cast ballots to determine which candidates for Senate and Governor will appear on the November ballot. Democratic Senator Joe Manchin III has decided not to seek re-election, opening up a seat in a state that is very likely to go for Trump, making the election of a Democrat much more challenging. One of the top candidates in the Senate race is currently Governor Jim Justice, who is running as a Republican.
On the Democratic side, a former energy executive, small-town mayor, and former Marine turned community activist will face off.
Don Blankenship, the former head of Massey Energy Co., resigned in 2010 after a mining accident killed 29 of his workers. The former chief executive served a year in prison for conspiracy to violate safety standards that left his workers vulnerable in already extremely dangerous conditions.
Glenn Elliott is a real estate broker who graduated from law school at Georgetown University. This would not be Elliot’s first time serving in public office as he was elected Mayor of his hometown of Wheeling for two terms.
Zachary Shrewsbury served in the US Marine Corps for five years and since then has focused his energy on community activism, particularly on issues related to climate change and veterans issues.
When can results be expected?
The initial batch of results can be expected shortly after polls close at 7 p.m. However, the final results will not be available on election night, and will be posted by the Secretary of State as soon as they are finalized.