By Beth Sergent, Coal Valley News
MADISON, W.Va. — The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Nov. 5 general election is approaching with in-person, mail and online options available for West Virginians. Absentee voting has already begun. Early, in-person voting will take place starting Oct. 23.
Voters must be registered, and update their voter information, by Oct. 15.
Voters can register, as well as update their voter information, online via the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, in person at their county clerk’s office, or by mail.
When registering, voters must provide:
- Name as it appears on your West Virginia driver’s license or ID card
- Date of birth
- West Virginia driver’s license or ID card number
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number
When you complete the application online it will be submitted to your county clerk for processing. The county clerk will notify you if your application has been accepted or rejected.
According to the Secretary of State’s website, if you don’t have the above information, you cannot complete your voter registration online. However, you can enter your information online in a voter registration application, then print it, sign it and deliver it to your county clerk by mail or in person.
If you prefer to complete your voter registration by hand, download a blank voter registration form from the Secretary of State’s Office to mail or deliver in-person.
Requesting an absentee ballot
Absentee ballots were mailed out beginning Sept. 20.
According to a news release from the Secretary of State’s Office, the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is the close of business on Oct. 30. But eligible voters should apply as soon as possible “to ensure any delays in the Postal Service do not affect their ability to vote.”
