Charleston: Early Vote Hits 5.5% as Statewide In-Person Ballots Surge

Statewide voter turnout stands at 5.5% of registered voters as of this week, according to the Secretary of State's office. Kris Warner announced that 66,855 ballots have been cast across West Virginia during absentee voting and the first four days of early voting. This figure represents a portion of the state's 1,210,290 registered voters.

The majority of these ballots were cast in person. Warner's data shows that 62,366 votes, or 93% of early voting ballots, were submitted through in-person early voting. In contrast, 8,290 absentee ballots have been requested, with 4,489 of those returned so far.

Early in-person voting for the 2026 General Election began on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Voting continues through Saturday, Oct. 31. All 55 counties in West Virginia have at least one location available for early voting.

Warner stated in a press release that casting a ballot is a powerful way to make a voice heard. He noted that whether voters go early or on Election Day, their vote counts. Warner emphasized that every eligible West Virginian deserves a clear path to participate.

This election marks the first time voters are required to present a photo ID to vote. This change follows the passage of House Bill 3016 in 2025. Before this law, voters could use various forms of photo and non-photo ID. Now, all voter ID must include a photo unless a limited exception applies.

Warner encouraged voters to review sample ballots before visiting the polls. Sample ballots for all 1,677 precincts are available at GoVoteWV.com and at county clerks' offices. Additional information on the new photo ID law is also posted on the website.

The Secretary of State's office will release the First Week Report covering voting activity from Oct. 21 to Oct. 28. This report will include county-by-county data and political party breakdowns.