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West Virginia

A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Voting

How do I request an absentee ballot?
The Absentee by Mail Voting Application is available here.

Where do I send the request?
Absentee requests should be mailed to your county clerk. For contact information, go here.

What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?
Applications for absentee ballot by mail must be received by the county clerk 6 days prior to Election Day:
October 29 for the General Election
You may apply as early as eight weeks before Election Day.

What is the voting procedure?
The person requesting to vote absentee will be mailed a ballot. The ballot must be completely filled out, and then placed in a blank envelope. The blank envelope is placed in the outer envelope containing mailing information. No witnesses are required.

What are the deadlines for voting absentee?
Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by canvass (the Friday after a Primary Election or 6 days after a General Election).

What are the election dates and deadlines for 2008?
General Election: November 4
Voter registration closes 20 days prior to Election Day.

How do I contact the Secretary of State / election officials?
Elections Division
West Virginia Secretary of State
Bldg. 1, Suite 157-K
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25305-0770
E-mail: elections@wvsos.com
Tel: 304-558-6000
Fax: 304-558-8386
Toll-free: 866-SOS-VOTE

Are there requirements for first-time voters?
If you registered to vote by mail and did not submit identification at that time, you may be required to submit ID with your absentee ballot. See the introduction to this guide for information on appropriate ID.

Is permanent absentee status available?
Voters may only apply for permanent absentee status for medical reasons.

Additional information:
Absentee & Early In-Person Voting in WV
Calendar of Absentee & Early Voting