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Every election is important in it own way, allowing voters to express their thoughts and opinions on the issues and directions of their community, their county, their state and their nation.
While the upcoming primary election in West Virginia will have only a handful of meaningful races, they remain crucial and we encourage residents who are eligible to vote to take time to learn about the candidates and step into the voting booth.
For those who may be unable to vote on the May 10 election day, West Virginia offers an early voting period which begins today.
Early in-person voting involves registered voters visiting their local county courthouse, asking for a ballot and casting your vote. It's a simple process.
Early voting will last until May 7, the Saturday prior to the primary election.
Residents of Hancock County are able to cast their votes from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hancock County Courthouse, while Brooke County voters may do the same from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at their county courthouse. Saturday hours, on May 1 and May 7, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In Brooke County, the non-partisan board of education race is the only contested election on the ballot. For Hancock County, there are races for that county's school board, as well as a seat on the county commission, county clerk and county circuit court clerk. Voters also will be asked to narrow down their choice for First District State Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. All other races will be officially determined in November.
The early voting period also may be helpful to residents this year following the redistricting performed by the state Legislature. County elections officials have been working to notify voters of changes to their polling precincts and locations, but if you still are unsure, taking part in early voting will allow you to cast your vote and avoid any confusion.
Voting, no matter the time or number of offices on the ballot, is an important part of American citizenship. We encourage all registered voters to make use of the next several days as we head into the primary election.