West Virginia

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in West Virginia by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the Secretary of State website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Secretary of State website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 21 days before the election.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, or in-person. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

Remember that the deadline to change your voter registration is 21 days before the election.

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in West Virginia varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Bring a valid ID. The following documentation will be accepted that show your current name and address: A valid photo identification, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, any other official government document. Also be prepared to provide your DMV issued driver's license or state ID number. If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, then you may enter the last four numbers of your social security number. If you do not have any of these numbers, then you may indicate this on your application and a voter ID number will be assigned to you.

Registering to vote by mail

Enter your driver's license number. If you do not have a driver's license number, enter the last four numbers of your social security number. If you do not have a driver's license number or a social security number, an identification number will be assigned to you.

Registering to vote online

You must provide the following information: your name as it appears on your West Virginia driver's license or ID card, your date of birth, your West Virginia driver's license or ID card number, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Bring a valid ID. The following documentation will be accepted that show your current name and address: A valid photo identification, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, any other official government document. Also be prepared to provide your DMV issued driver's license or state ID number. If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, then you may enter the last four numbers of your social security number. If you do not have any of these numbers, then you may indicate this on your application and a voter ID number will be assigned to you.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

Enter your driver's license number. If you do not have a driver's license number, enter the last four numbers of your social security number. If you do not have a driver's license number or a social security number, an identification number will be assigned to you.

Pre-registering to vote online

You must provide the following information: your name as it appears on your West Virginia driver's license or ID card, your date of birth, your West Virginia driver's license or ID card number, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of West Virginia can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit West Virginia’s voter registration page on their Secretary of State website.
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In West Virginia, you need to be registered to vote at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

For the upcoming {{ next_election_name }}, your voter registration application must be:

• Mail: {{ deadline_voter_registration_mail }}
• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

No, West Virginia does not have same-day voter registration. This means you cannot register to vote on Election Day. You must register at least 21 days before an election in order to vote.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

West Virginia residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be at least 17 years of age and will be 18 on or before the next general election
• Be a legal resident of W.V. and of the county where I am applying
• Not be currently under conviction, probation or parole for election bribery, treason, or any felony
• Not have been judged incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction

In West Virginia, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

West Virginia  to vote in their primaries upon request.