CHESTER — City residents don’t need to re-register to vote for the May 12 municipal election, set to coincide with the county and state’s primary election

Chester recently changed its Municipal Election to coincide with the Primary Election of Hancock County, according to Chester Mayor Ed Wedgewood.

The reason for this change is two-fold.

First, the West Virginia Legislature through Senate Bill 50 of 2025 requires all municipal elections to be held on the same day as statewide elections.

Secondly, the City of Chester recognizes that voter turnout for the municipal elections has been extremely low over the past few elections.

With this in mind, the city has altered its charter to allow for the change of the municipal election date.

In addition, the city has altered its ward structure to allow the wards to match up with the voter precincts of Hancock County. Those affected will be notified by mail.

The Chester Municipal Election ballot initiatives will appear on the Hancock County Primary Election ballot. No other action is necessary.

For information, residents can contact their respective council representative.