PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Secretary of State Natalie Tennant says West Virginia is on track to see record early-voter turnout this election year.
As of Monday morning, 84,517 early ballots had been cast state-wide, Tennant said. During the 2016 primary, a total of 100,962 early ballots were cast, and in the 2014 general election only 97,323 early ballots were cast. Tennant said she is as yet unsure how that will translate into overall voter turnout.
“In the first four days of early voting, we’ve seen these kinds of numbers,” she said. “Early voting is very popular, but it doesn’t necessarily translate into overall voter turnout, so this will be interesting to see.”
The Judge Black Annex at 315 Market St. in Parkersburg has already reported long lines and wait times for early voting, which will continue through Nov. 5. The polling place is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, early voting will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If people registered to vote online, they will have to show an ID when they go to vote. Having an ID is not yet required for all voters, but in 2018, all West Virginia voters will be required to show identification.
Early voting will be conducted Nov. 1-5 at the four satellite voting precincts: Williamstown City Building, 100 West Fifth St.; Vienna City Building, 609 29th St.; Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department, 1695 Elizabeth Pike; and Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department, 1340 Harris Highway.
Hours for the downtown and satellite sites will be the same, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Tennant said the jump in early voting also shows a confidence in West Virginia’s voting system. The primary election nation-wide has been dogged by accusations of a “rigged” election and voter fraud, though no proof has yet been shown.
“There are a lot of questions with the election and election systems,” Tennant said. “It’s not any facts. It’s not any evidence. It’s insinuation.”
Tennant said the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office has been working closely with county clerks to ensure the integrity of the system and continues to actively monitor and investigate any reports of voter fraud.
“The system is secure,” she said. “We have 9,000 West Virginia poll workers, and they take it very seriously. At the same time the Secretary of State’s office is very vigilant.”
