Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant announced that 63,205 people have voted during the first seven days of West Virginia’s early voting period. This figure represents votes cast in all 55 counties during early voting, from Wednesday, April 27, through close of the polls on Wednesday, May 4.
Comparative numbers from the first seven days of early voting in previous primary elections are as follows:
2014 primary election – 27,252
2012 primary election – 36,303
2010 primary election – 11,428
2008 primary election – 17,505
*Note, early voting lasted 20 days rather than 10 days in 2008 and 2010.
“I am very excited to see that early voting numbers are up in this 2016 primary election,” Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said. “Voting is a right and a duty, and it’s so important to make sure our voices are being heard. Whether voting during the early voting period or on May 10, I urge West Virginians to take patience to their polling place as they vote a ballot that may be longer than in years past.”
The 10-day early voting period ends Saturday, May 7. Voters can cast their ballot during early voting at their county courthouse, courthouse annex or at a community voting location designated by the county. Early voting times, locations and contact information for all 55 counties can be found here on the Secretary of State’s website.
Early voting has been an option for West Virginians since its implementation for the 2002 primary election.
Secretary Tennant reminds eligible West Virginia voters that if a voter witnesses what they believe to be a violation of election law they should contact the Secretary of State’s Office at 304-558-6000.
Primary election day in West Virginia is Tuesday, May 10. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters can find sample ballots, information about candidates, campaign finance reports, the Voter’s Bill of Rights and information about the different voting systems used in West Virginia on the Secretary of State’s website at www.govotewv.com.