West Virginia

Step 1: Apply

Who is allowed to vote-by-mail?

You must fit one of the following criteria:

  • Illness, injury or other medical reason (due to concerns oover COVID-19, all voters may apply to vote absentee because of “other medical reason”)
  • Disability or advanced age
  • Incarceration or home detention (does not include individuals convicted of any felony, treason, or election bribery)
  • Work hours and distance from county seat
  • Inaccessible early voting site and polling place
  • Personal or business travel
  • Attendance at college or other place of education or training
  • Temporary residence outside of the county
  • Service as an elected or appointed state or federal official



Where should I send my completed application?

Apply online or deliver your completed application via mail, email, fax, or in person to your county clerk's office. https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx



When is the application due?

Technically, applications must be received by October 28, 2020. To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you send it immediately and no later than the middle of October. New voters must register by October 13, 2020.



***Shenanigan Alerts***

Things to look out for: The instructions for how to fill out the absentee ballot are specific and worth noting: https://sos.wv.gov/FormSearch/Elections/Voter/Instructions%20for%20Voting%20a%20Paper%20Ballot%20by%20Mail.pdf



I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx



Can I vote-by-mail in my state?

Yes, West Virginia will allow any registered voter to request a ballot. Follow the application steps below. Click here to register as a new voter or to check your existing registration. (It's always a good idea to double-check.) https://services.sos.wv.gov/Elections/Voter/AmIRegisteredToVote ***For some reason, West Virginia blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.***



Step 2: Vote-by-Mail

When do I have to mail or drop off my completed ballot?

Technically, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 3, 2020) and received no later than November 9, 2020. (Ballots with no postmark will be counted if received by November 4, 2020.) To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you return your voted ballot as soon as it arrives and no later than the middle of October. You may also drop your ballot at your local election office. It's a good idea to call and check first. https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx



Does it require a stamp? Two?

Read the outside of the envelope to see if additional postage may be required. The US Postal service will deliver any ballot, regardless of whether or not it has the correct postage, or any at all. They will charge the local election office for any unpaid postage. https://time.com/4547550/absentee-mail-ballot-postage-stamp-postal-service-usps/



Can my ballot be dropped off at a polling site or dedicated drop box?

There may be a drop box outside of your county clerk's office. Call for exact location and availability. https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx You may not drop your ballot at your polling location.



Is there any way to check if my ballot was received?

https://services.sos.wv.gov/Elections/Voter/AbsenteeBallotTracking ***For some reason, West Virginia blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.***



I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx



Early In-Person Voting

Does my state offer any in-person early voting days?

October 21 - October 31, 2020



Link to information and locations:

Early Voting is available at the county courthouse, annex or designated community voting location during normal business hours and Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm. Some counties also offer satellite or community voting locations throughout the county. Please contact your county clerk to learn whether your county offers these additional Early Voting locations. https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx



I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://sos.wv.gov/elections/Pages/CountyClerkDirectory.aspx