Secretary Tennant urges West Virginians to make voices heard during early voting

West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant announced Thursday that 24,251 West Virginians voted on Wednesday, Oct. 26, the first day of early voting in West Virginia’s 2016 General Election.
West Virginia’s 10-day early voting period started Wednesday, and will end on Saturday, Nov. 5. Voters may cast their ballot at their county courthouse, courthouse annex or at a community voting location designated by their county during regular business hours. Early voting information for every county may be found at www.govotewv.com or by contacting your county clerk. Early voting locations also will be open the next two Saturdays – Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 – from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early voting has been an option for West Virginians since its implementation during the 2002 primary election.
As West Virginians continue casting ballots during early voting, Secretary Tennant urges eligible voters to get out and vote.
“We are very pleased to hear reports of good turnout already during early voting in West Virginia,” said Tennant. “Voting is a right and a duty. Whether you go during the early voting period or on Election Day, I urge West Virginians to make their voices heard.”
Effective this general election, eligible voters who intend to vote for all candidates in a single party must individually select each candidate on the ballot. During the 2015 legislative session, lawmakers passed SB 249, which eliminated “straight-ticket” voting. Voters will no longer be able to vote for all candidates in a political party by making a single mark on the ballot.
Tennant also said voters who witness what they believe to be a violation of election law should contact the Secretary of State’s Office at 304-558-6000.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters may find 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.