Dave Mistich Published

Nearly 80,000 Absentee Ballots Requested So Far For W.Va. General Election

Absentee Ballot

The West Virginia Secretary of State’s office has released data on voter registrations and absentee ballot requests in what’s expected to be a record breaking election for voting by mail.

Secretary of State Mac Warner’s office said, as of Tuesday, that 79,140 absentee ballots have been requested for the general election, with 64,514 already mailed out.

According to Warner’s office, West Virginia has more than 1.2 million registered voters. The figures come as the state marked National Voter Registration Day Tuesday. County Clerks began mailing requested absentee ballots on Friday, Sept. 18.

As part of National Voter Registration Day, efforts are underway to increase registrations and boost turnout in the upcoming election.

Voters can check their status, update their registration or sign up for the first time through Oct. 13. Absentee ballots can be requested through Oct. 28 and must be returned with a postmark before Election Day on Nov. 3.

Early voting will also take place between Oct. 21 and Oct. 31.

As West Virginia’s top election official, Republican incumbent Warner is squaring off in this election against Democrat Natalie Tennnant, who has also held the office. The race for president, governor, state constitutional officers and Congressional seats are also on the ballot.

Editor’s Note: Watch a debate between Warner and Tennant in the race for Secretary of State.

For more on registering to vote, applying for an absentee ballot and other information regarding the upcoming general election, visit GoVoteWV.com.