The candidate filing period in West Virginia for the primary election has officially begun. According to a press release, West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner has declared that as of Monday, January 12,

The Democratic Party in Wood County expects candidates in all state legislative races, some districts possibly with primary contests, the party chairman said. “We want to get as many Democrats on the ballot as possible,

With several offices up for reelection in West Virginia, there are important dates and deadlines voters should be aware of. According to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website, these are significant dates and deadlines for 2026: For the primary election: For the general election: In 2026,

CHARLESTON — A last-ditch effort by some members of the West Virginia Republican Executive Committee to reopen their May 2026 primary to unaffiliated voters failed, requiring anyone to vote in the GOP primary to be a registered Republican.

Election officials are hoping to educate the public about several changes that will impact the upcoming May primary. The two most significant changes will be the requirement of a photo ID to vote and a decision by the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee that will only allow registered Republicans to vote in the GOP primary.

Following an investigation by the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, then-Cabell County Prosecutor Sean Hammers declined to prosecute the case. The case was later referred to former Wayne County Prosecutor Matthew Deerfield, who also elected to not pursue an indictment.

Secretary of State Kris Warner announced the launch of a statewide contest, inviting all West Virginia eighth-graders to design an “I Voted” sticker that will be distributed in their home county during this year’s election cycle.

Secretary of State Kris Warner has announced the launch of a statewide contest inviting all West Virginia eighth-grade students to design an “I Voted!” sticker, with the winning design to be distributed in the student’s home county during the 2026 election cycle.

Secretary of State Kris Warner has launched a statewide “I Voted!” sticker contest for West Virginia 8th graders.

West Virginia Sen. Mike Woelfel, a Democrat representing Cabell County, will not run for reelection this year, he said Wednesday. Woelfel, an attorney, was first elected to the Senate in 2014. He’s in his third term as senator.