The Countdown has begun to November 5, 2024, General Election Day. Past elections have proven how vital it is that every requirement and deadline is met. Never before in this Country’s history has adherence to the Election Statute been more critical.
The schedule of deadlines follows:
- W. Va. Code §§ 3-8-5, 3-8-5(b);
- CSR § 146-3-8
October 23 – November
2, 2024
Early Voting in Person Conducted
Beginning on the 13th day and continuing through the third day
before the election, voter may vote an early ballot at the county
courthouse, an annex, or a designated community voting
location during normal business hours; additionally, early voting
must be conducted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the last 2
Saturdays before the General Election. - W. Va. Code § 3-3-3
October 29, 2024 Public Test of Tabulating Equipment
1 week prior to the start of the count of the votes, all automatic
tabulating equipment must be tested to ascertain that it will
accurately count the votes for all offices and on all measures.
Notice must be provided no more than 2 weeks but not less than
48 hours before test by publication of Class I-0 legal
advertisement. (Notice must be provided October 15 – October
27)
After processing pre-audited ballots, the County Commission
certifies the equipment to be free from error as determined by
the test. Testing material and certification is to be placed in a
sealed container until the start of canvass. - W. Va. Code §§ 3-4A-26, 59-3-1 et seq.
37
October 29 – November
4, 2024
Instructional Program Make-Up Session
Within last 7 days before election, County Clerk conducts makeup session for election officials unable to attend regular session. - W. Va. Code § 3-1-46(c)
October 29 – November
4, 2024
Publish Official List of Candidates or Sample Ballot for
Election Day
On the last day on which a newspaper is published immediately
preceding the General Election, Ballot Commissioners publish
the official list of candidates and issues, or the sample ballot, as
follows:
- For counties in which 2 or more qualified newspapers
publish a daily newspaper, publish as Class I-0 legal
advertisement in the 2 qualified daily newspapers of
different political parties within the county having the
largest circulation; or - For counties having no more than 1 daily newspaper, or
having only 1 or more qualified weekly newspapers,
publish as Class I legal advertisement in qualified
newspaper having largest circulation.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-7-1, 3-7-6
42
December 5, 2024
(Deadline)
Transmit Certificates of Results
The certification of the results of the General Election should be
sent to Secretary of State as soon as possible but no later than
30 days after the election.
Board of canvassers transmits original certificates of election
results for all offices to be filled by the voters of more than one
county to the Secretary of State, along with copies of certificatOctober 21 – October
25, 2024
General Report
Reports due on the 15th day preceding the general election and
filed within 4 days thereafter.
This report covers transactions from October 1, 2024 through
October 20, 2024.
- W. Va. Code §§ 3-8-5, 3-8-5(b);
- CSR § 146-3-8
October 23 – November
2, 2024
Early Voting in Person Conducted
Beginning on the 13th day and continuing through the third day
before the election, voter may vote an early ballot at the county
courthouse, an annex, or a designated community voting
location during normal business hours; additionally, early voting
must be conducted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the last 2
Saturdays before the General Election. - W. Va. Code § 3-3-3
October 29, 2024 Public Test of Tabulating Equipment
1 week prior to the start of the count of the votes, all automatic
tabulating equipment must be tested to ascertain that it will
accurately count the votes for all offices and on all measures.
Notice must be provided no more than 2 weeks but not less than
48 hours before test by publication of Class I-0 legal
advertisement. (Notice must be provided October 15 – October
27)
After processing pre-audited ballots, the County Commission
certifies the equipment to be free from error as determined by
the test. Testing material and certification is to be placed in a
sealed container until the start of canvass. - W. Va. Code §§ 3-4A-26, 59-3-1 et seq.
37
October 29 – November
4, 2024
Instructional Program Make-Up Session
Within last 7 days before election, County Clerk conducts makeup session for election officials unable to attend regular session. - W. Va. Code § 3-1-46(c)
October 29 – November
4, 2024
Publish Official List of Candidates or Sample Ballot for
Election Day
On the last day on which a newspaper is published immediately
preceding the General Election, Ballot Commissioners publish
the official list of candidates and issues, or the sample ballot, as
follows:
- For counties in which 2 or more qualified newspapers
publish a daily newspaper, publish as Class I-0 legal
advertisement in the 2 qualified daily newspapers of
different political parties within the county having the
largest circulation; or - For counties having no more than 1 daily newspaper, or
having only 1 or more qualified weekly newspapers,
publish as Class I legal advertisement in qualified
newspaper having largest circulation.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-7-1, 3-7-6
42
December 5, 2024
(Deadline)
Transmit Certificates of Results
The certification of the results of the General Election should be
sent to Secretary of State as soon as possible but no later than
30 days after the election.
Board of canvassers transmits original certificates of election
results for all offices to be filled by the voters of more than one
county to the Secretary of State, along with copies of certificatOctober 21 – October
25, 2024
General Report
Reports due on the 15th day preceding the general election and
filed within 4 days thereafter.
This report covers transactions from October 1, 2024 through
October 20, 2024.
- W. Va. Code §§ 3-8-5, 3-8-5(b);
- CSR § 146-3-8
October 23 – November
2, 2024
Early Voting in Person Conducted
Beginning on the 13th day and continuing through the third day
before the election, voter may vote an early ballot at the county
courthouse, an annex, or a designated community voting
location during normal business hours; additionally, early voting
must be conducted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the last 2
Saturdays before the General Election. - W. Va. Code § 3-3-3
October 29, 2024 Public Test of Tabulating Equipment
1 week prior to the start of the count of the votes, all automatic
tabulating equipment must be tested to ascertain that it will
accurately count the votes for all offices and on all measures.
Notice must be provided no more than 2 weeks but not less than
48 hours before test by publication of Class I-0 legal
advertisement. (Notice must be provided October 15 – October
27)
After processing pre-audited ballots, the County Commission
certifies the equipment to be free from error as determined by
the test. Testing material and certification is to be placed in a
sealed container until the start of canvass. - W. Va. Code §§ 3-4A-26, 59-3-1 et seq.
37
October 29 – November
4, 2024
Instructional Program Make-Up Session
Within last 7 days before election, County Clerk conducts makeup session for election officials unable to attend regular session. - W. Va. Code § 3-1-46(c)
October 29 – November
4, 2024
Publish Official List of Candidates or Sample Ballot for
Election Day
On the last day on which a newspaper is published immediately
preceding the General Election, Ballot Commissioners publish
the official list of candidates and issues, or the sample ballot, as
follows:
- For counties in which 2 or more qualified newspapers
publish a daily newspaper, publish as Class I-0 legal
advertisement in the 2 qualified daily newspapers of
different political parties within the county having the
largest circulation; or - For counties having no more than 1 daily newspaper, or
having only 1 or more qualified weekly newspapers,
publish as Class I legal advertisement in qualified
newspaper having largest circulation.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-7-1, 3-7-6
42
December 5, 2024
(Deadline)
Transmit Certificates of Results
The certification of the results of the General Election should be
sent to Secretary of State as soon as possible but no later than
30 days after the election.
Board of canvassers transmits original certificates of election
results for all offices to be filled by the voters of more than one
county to the Secretary of State, along with copies of certificatOctober 21 – October
25, 2024
General Report
Reports due on the 15th day preceding the general election and
filed within 4 days thereafter.
This report covers transactions from October 1, 2024 through
October 20, 2024.
W. Va. Code § 3-6-3, 59-3-1 et seq.
October 29 – Noon,
November 5, 2024
Receive Requests for Emergency Absentee Ballot
No earlier than 7 days preceding the election and no later than
noon of Election Day, a voter or a member of the voter’s
immediate family (or in counties with an extended policy, a staff
member of a nursing home) may request a ballot for voting
emergency absentee. A voter may be eligible to receive an
emergency absentee ballot in the following circumstances:
Voter in the hospital on Election Day;
Replacement poll worker appointed after the period for
Early Voting;
Voter in licensed health care facilities within an adjacent
county or within 35 miles of the county seat (county policy
required);
Voter in nursing home within the county if he or she has
resided there for a period of less than 30 days (county
policy required); or
Voter becomes confined, on or after the seventh day
preceding an election, to a specific location within the
county because of illness, injury, physical disability, or
38
immobility due to advance age or other medical reason
(county policy required).
W. Va. Code §§ 3-3-1(d), 3-3-5c
October 30, 2024 Deadline for Absentee by Mail Application
Not later than the sixth day preceding the election, last day to
receive application for absentee ballot by mail. Ballot shall be
mailed no later than the following day.
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(b)(1), 3-3-5(e)(1)
October 31, 2024
(By close of business
at the filing office)
Write-In Candidate Filing Deadline in Case of Death of
Candidate
Vacancy occurs no earlier than 48 days (September 18) and no
later than 5 days (October 31) before the General Election, the
certificate shall be received no later than the close of business 5
days before the election, or the close of business on the day
following the occurrence of the vacancy, whichever is later.
Write-in candidates file a certificate of announcement to become
certified write-in candidates in case of the death of a candidate.
W. Va. Code § 3-6-4a(c)(2)
November 2, 2024
(Deadline)
Deadline for Early Voting in Person
Last day to vote an early ballot in person (occurs on a Saturday)
W. Va. Code § 3-3-3
November 4, 2024 Deadline to Hand-Deliver Absentee Ballots to the County
Clerk’s Office
The last day for County Clerk to accept hand delivered absentee
ballot by mail is no later than 1 day preceding the election. No
person may personally deliver more than 2 absentee ballots in
any election.
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(k)
November 4, 2024 Election Commissioners Receive Election Supplies
No later than 1 day before the General Election, the last day on
which election commissioner(s) of each precinct, as designated
by County Commissioners, shall receive necessary election
supplies from County Clerk.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-24, 3-4A-13(f)
39
November 4, 2024 Failure to Pick Up Supplies
By close of County Clerk’s Office 1 day prior to General
Election, Board of Ballot Commissioners (or chairman thereof)
forthwith dispatches, by special messenger, election supplies to
any election commissioner who has failed to pick up supplies by
designated time.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-25
November 5, 2024 GENERAL ELECTION DAY
Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even years. Polls
open at 6:30 a.m. and close 7:30 p.m.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-31
In counties using electronic voting systems, County Clerk must
deliver vote recording devices to polling places not less than 1
hour prior to polls opening.
W. Va. Code § 3-4A-16
If appointed election official fails to appear at polling place by
5:45 a.m., election officials shall contact County Clerk for
assistance in filling vacancy.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(k)
Upon request by or for persons eligible to vote emergency
absentee ballot made no later than noon of Election Day,
emergency absentee voting commissioners deliver application
and ballot to voter in hospital (or nursing home if authorized).
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5c
A voter whose registration record lists one address but has since
moved to another within the county may update the registration
at the polling place and shall vote in the precinct of current
residence using a provisional ballot.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-2-22(a)(6), 3-2-31(c)
A voter whose legal name has changed may update their
registration by filing an affidavit of change of legal name at the
polling place on Election Day without using a provisional ballot.
W. Va. Code § 3-2-22(d)(2)
40
November 5, 2024 Post Summary Returns
Upon completion of the count, the returns are to be open to the
public by posting a summary of the returns as have been
tabulated at the central counting center.
W. Va. Code § 3-4A-27(e)
November 5, 2024
(Deadline: 7:30 PM)
Absentee Ballots Received Electronically from Eligible
Voters Accepted
No later than the close of polls Election Day, accept absentee
ballots submitted electronically by eligible military and overseas
voters and eligible voters with physical disabilities.
W. Va. Code §3-3-5(i)
November 6, 2024 Absentee Ballots Without Postmark Accepted
1 day after Election Day, absentee ballots without postmark are
accepted if delivered by the US Postal Service or other express
shipping service and received by the County Clerk, no later than
the day after Election Day. (Does not apply to UOCAVA ballots.)
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(g)(1)
November 12, 2024 Absentee Ballots Postmarked by Election Day Accepted
No later than the hour at which the board of canvassers
convenes to begin the canvass, absentee ballots by mail shall
be accepted if ballot bears a postmark of the US Postal Service
dated no later than Election Day and the ballot is received by the
County Clerk, within the required time. Absentee ballots from
military are accepted without postmark if received prior to start of
canvass.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-3-5(g)(2) 3-5-17
November 12, 2024 Canvass Returns
On the 5
th day, excluding Sundays, after General Election. If the
fifth day falls on a Saturday or legal holiday, the canvass shall
begin on the next business day. County Commission, as the
board of canvassers, meets to canvass General Election
returns. The board of canvassers shall meet from day to day
adjourning no longer than is necessary until the canvass is
complete.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-5-17, 3-6-9(a)(1)
CSR § 153-18-3
41
Deadline depends on
date canvass is
completed in all
jurisdictions.
Declare
Upon completion of canvass, publicly declare the election results
and wait 48 hours (do not count Saturdays, Sundays and legal
holidays) to allow for recount requests to be submitted.
Multi-county races must wait until the last county declares
results for the 48 hours to begin. Notice will be provided by the
Elections Division on the start times.
W. Va. Code § 3-5-17, §3-6-9(a)(8)
Deadline depends on
date results are
declared
Recount
Recount request must be made within 48 hours of the
declaration of results. If a candidate is on the ballot in more than
one county, the 48 hours begins after the final county’s
canvassing board declares the results. A candidate may
demand a recount.
Note: If a recount has been demanded, the board of
canvassers shall have 48 hours in which to send notice to all
candidates who filed for the office in which a recount has been
demanded. Such recount shall be set for no sooner than 3 days
after serving the notice. After the notice is served, candidates
so served shall then have an additional 24 hours in which to
demand a recount of precincts not requested to be recounted by
candidate originally requesting recount. The recount is open to
the public. However, only those authorized may handle election
materials.
W. Va. Code § 3-6-9
Deadline depends on
date results are
declared and recounts
Certify
48 hours after the declaration, CERTIFY election results in
races where a recount was NOT requested.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-5-17, 3-6-9, 3-6-10
Deadline depends on
date election results
are declared
Contest General Election
Within 10 days after the results of election are certified,
candidate may contest the General Election before the County
Commission in which any general procedures, practices or
results may be in issue. A contest is a legal proceeding. Legal
counsel should (but not mandatorily) be obtained by parties
involved.
W. Va. Code § 3-6-3, 59-3-1 et seq.
October 29 – Noon,
November 5, 2024
Receive Requests for Emergency Absentee Ballot
No earlier than 7 days preceding the election and no later than
noon of Election Day, a voter or a member of the voter’s
immediate family (or in counties with an extended policy, a staff
member of a nursing home) may request a ballot for voting
emergency absentee. A voter may be eligible to receive an
emergency absentee ballot in the following circumstances:
Voter in the hospital on Election Day;
Replacement poll worker appointed after the period for
Early Voting;
Voter in licensed health care facilities within an adjacent
county or within 35 miles of the county seat (county policy
required);
Voter in nursing home within the county if he or she has
resided there for a period of less than 30 days (county
policy required); or
Voter becomes confined, on or after the seventh day
preceding an election, to a specific location within the
county because of illness, injury, physical disability, or
38
immobility due to advance age or other medical reason
(county policy required).
W. Va. Code §§ 3-3-1(d), 3-3-5c
October 30, 2024 Deadline for Absentee by Mail Application
Not later than the sixth day preceding the election, last day to
receive application for absentee ballot by mail. Ballot shall be
mailed no later than the following day.
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(b)(1), 3-3-5(e)(1)
October 31, 2024
(By close of business
at the filing office)
Write-In Candidate Filing Deadline in Case of Death of
Candidate
Vacancy occurs no earlier than 48 days (September 18) and no
later than 5 days (October 31) before the General Election, the
certificate shall be received no later than the close of business 5
days before the election, or the close of business on the day
following the occurrence of the vacancy, whichever is later.
Write-in candidates file a certificate of announcement to become
certified write-in candidates in case of the death of a candidate.
W. Va. Code § 3-6-4a(c)(2)
November 2, 2024
(Deadline)
Deadline for Early Voting in Person
Last day to vote an early ballot in person (occurs on a Saturday)
W. Va. Code § 3-3-3
November 4, 2024 Deadline to Hand-Deliver Absentee Ballots to the County
Clerk’s Office
The last day for County Clerk to accept hand delivered absentee
ballot by mail is no later than 1 day preceding the election. No
person may personally deliver more than 2 absentee ballots in
any election.
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(k)
November 4, 2024 Election Commissioners Receive Election Supplies
No later than 1 day before the General Election, the last day on
which election commissioner(s) of each precinct, as designated
by County Commissioners, shall receive necessary election
supplies from County Clerk.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-24, 3-4A-13(f)
39
November 4, 2024 Failure to Pick Up Supplies
By close of County Clerk’s Office 1 day prior to General
Election, Board of Ballot Commissioners (or chairman thereof)
forthwith dispatches, by special messenger, election supplies to
any election commissioner who has failed to pick up supplies by
designated time.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-25
November 5, 2024 GENERAL ELECTION DAY
Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even years. Polls
open at 6:30 a.m. and close 7:30 p.m.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-31
In counties using electronic voting systems, County Clerk must
deliver vote recording devices to polling places not less than 1
hour prior to polls opening.
W. Va. Code § 3-4A-16
If appointed election official fails to appear at polling place by
5:45 a.m., election officials shall contact County Clerk for
assistance in filling vacancy.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(k)
Upon request by or for persons eligible to vote emergency
absentee ballot made no later than noon of Election Day,
emergency absentee voting commissioners deliver application
and ballot to voter in hospital (or nursing home if authorized).
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5c
A voter whose registration record lists one address but has since
moved to another within the county may update the registration
at the polling place and shall vote in the precinct of current
residence using a provisional ballot.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-2-22(a)(6), 3-2-31(c)
A voter whose legal name has changed may update their
registration by filing an affidavit of change of legal name at the
polling place on Election Day without using a provisional ballot.
W. Va. Code § 3-2-22(d)(2)
40
November 5, 2024 Post Summary Returns
Upon completion of the count, the returns are to be open to the
public by posting a summary of the returns as have been
tabulated at the central counting center.
W. Va. Code § 3-4A-27(e)
November 5, 2024
(Deadline: 7:30 PM)
Absentee Ballots Received Electronically from Eligible
Voters Accepted
No later than the close of polls Election Day, accept absentee
ballots submitted electronically by eligible military and overseas
voters and eligible voters with physical disabilities.
W. Va. Code §3-3-5(i)
November 6, 2024 Absentee Ballots Without Postmark Accepted
1 day after Election Day, absentee ballots without postmark are
accepted if delivered by the US Postal Service or other express
shipping service and received by the County Clerk, no later than
the day after Election Day. (Does not apply to UOCAVA ballots.)
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(g)(1)
November 12, 2024 Absentee Ballots Postmarked by Election Day Accepted
No later than the hour at which the board of canvassers
convenes to begin the canvass, absentee ballots by mail shall
be accepted if ballot bears a postmark of the US Postal Service
dated no later than Election Day and the ballot is received by the
County Clerk, within the required time. Absentee ballots from
military are accepted without postmark if received prior to start of
canvass.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-3-5(g)(2) 3-5-17
November 12, 2024 Canvass Returns
On the 5
th day, excluding Sundays, after General Election. If the
fifth day falls on a Saturday or legal holiday, the canvass shall
begin on the next business day. County Commission, as the
board of canvassers, meets to canvass General Election
returns. The board of canvassers shall meet from day to day
adjourning no longer than is necessary until the canvass is
complete.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-5-17, 3-6-9(a)(1)
CSR § 153-18-3
41
Deadline depends on
date canvass is
completed in all
jurisdictions.
Declare
Upon completion of canvass, publicly declare the election results
and wait 48 hours (do not count Saturdays, Sundays and legal
holidays) to allow for recount requests to be submitted.
Multi-county races must wait until the last county declares
results for the 48 hours to begin. Notice will be provided by the
Elections Division on the start times.
W. Va. Code § 3-5-17, §3-6-9(a)(8)
Deadline depends on
date results are
declared
Recount
Recount request must be made within 48 hours of the
declaration of results. If a candidate is on the ballot in more than
one county, the 48 hours begins after the final county’s
canvassing board declares the results. A candidate may
demand a recount.
Note: If a recount has been demanded, the board of
canvassers shall have 48 hours in which to send notice to all
candidates who filed for the office in which a recount has been
demanded. Such recount shall be set for no sooner than 3 days
after serving the notice. After the notice is served, candidates
so served shall then have an additional 24 hours in which to
demand a recount of precincts not requested to be recounted by
candidate originally requesting recount. The recount is open to
the public. However, only those authorized may handle election
materials.
W. Va. Code § 3-6-9
Deadline depends on
date results are
declared and recounts
Certify
48 hours after the declaration, CERTIFY election results in
races where a recount was NOT requested.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-5-17, 3-6-9, 3-6-10
Deadline depends on
date election results
are declared
Contest General Election
Within 10 days after the results of election are certified,
candidate may contest the General Election before the County
Commission in which any general procedures, practices or
results may be in issue. A contest is a legal proceeding. Legal
counsel should (but not mandatorily) be obtained by parties
involved.
W. Va. Code § 3-6-3, 59-3-1 et seq.
October 29 – Noon,
November 5, 2024
Receive Requests for Emergency Absentee Ballot
No earlier than 7 days preceding the election and no later than
noon of Election Day, a voter or a member of the voter’s
immediate family (or in counties with an extended policy, a staff
member of a nursing home) may request a ballot for voting
emergency absentee. A voter may be eligible to receive an
emergency absentee ballot in the following circumstances:
Voter in the hospital on Election Day;
Replacement poll worker appointed after the period for
Early Voting;
Voter in licensed health care facilities within an adjacent
county or within 35 miles of the county seat (county policy
required);
Voter in nursing home within the county if he or she has
resided there for a period of less than 30 days (county
policy required); or
Voter becomes confined, on or after the seventh day
preceding an election, to a specific location within the
county because of illness, injury, physical disability, or
38
immobility due to advance age or other medical reason
(county policy required).
W. Va. Code §§ 3-3-1(d), 3-3-5c
October 30, 2024 Deadline for Absentee by Mail Application
Not later than the sixth day preceding the election, last day to
receive application for absentee ballot by mail. Ballot shall be
mailed no later than the following day.
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(b)(1), 3-3-5(e)(1)
October 31, 2024
(By close of business
at the filing office)
Write-In Candidate Filing Deadline in Case of Death of
Candidate
Vacancy occurs no earlier than 48 days (September 18) and no
later than 5 days (October 31) before the General Election, the
certificate shall be received no later than the close of business 5
days before the election, or the close of business on the day
following the occurrence of the vacancy, whichever is later.
Write-in candidates file a certificate of announcement to become
certified write-in candidates in case of the death of a candidate.
W. Va. Code § 3-6-4a(c)(2)
November 2, 2024
(Deadline)
Deadline for Early Voting in Person
Last day to vote an early ballot in person (occurs on a Saturday)
W. Va. Code § 3-3-3
November 4, 2024 Deadline to Hand-Deliver Absentee Ballots to the County
Clerk’s Office
The last day for County Clerk to accept hand delivered absentee
ballot by mail is no later than 1 day preceding the election. No
person may personally deliver more than 2 absentee ballots in
any election.
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(k)
November 4, 2024 Election Commissioners Receive Election Supplies
No later than 1 day before the General Election, the last day on
which election commissioner(s) of each precinct, as designated
by County Commissioners, shall receive necessary election
supplies from County Clerk.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-24, 3-4A-13(f)
39
November 4, 2024 Failure to Pick Up Supplies
By close of County Clerk’s Office 1 day prior to General
Election, Board of Ballot Commissioners (or chairman thereof)
forthwith dispatches, by special messenger, election supplies to
any election commissioner who has failed to pick up supplies by
designated time.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-25
November 5, 2024 GENERAL ELECTION DAY
Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even years. Polls
open at 6:30 a.m. and close 7:30 p.m.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-31
In counties using electronic voting systems, County Clerk must
deliver vote recording devices to polling places not less than 1
hour prior to polls opening.
W. Va. Code § 3-4A-16
If appointed election official fails to appear at polling place by
5:45 a.m., election officials shall contact County Clerk for
assistance in filling vacancy.
W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(k)
Upon request by or for persons eligible to vote emergency
absentee ballot made no later than noon of Election Day,
emergency absentee voting commissioners deliver application
and ballot to voter in hospital (or nursing home if authorized).
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5c
A voter whose registration record lists one address but has since
moved to another within the county may update the registration
at the polling place and shall vote in the precinct of current
residence using a provisional ballot.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-2-22(a)(6), 3-2-31(c)
A voter whose legal name has changed may update their
registration by filing an affidavit of change of legal name at the
polling place on Election Day without using a provisional ballot.
W. Va. Code § 3-2-22(d)(2)
40
November 5, 2024 Post Summary Returns
Upon completion of the count, the returns are to be open to the
public by posting a summary of the returns as have been
tabulated at the central counting center.
W. Va. Code § 3-4A-27(e)
November 5, 2024
(Deadline: 7:30 PM)
Absentee Ballots Received Electronically from Eligible
Voters Accepted
No later than the close of polls Election Day, accept absentee
ballots submitted electronically by eligible military and overseas
voters and eligible voters with physical disabilities.
W. Va. Code §3-3-5(i)
November 6, 2024 Absentee Ballots Without Postmark Accepted
1 day after Election Day, absentee ballots without postmark are
accepted if delivered by the US Postal Service or other express
shipping service and received by the County Clerk, no later than
the day after Election Day. (Does not apply to UOCAVA ballots.)
W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(g)(1)
November 12, 2024 Absentee Ballots Postmarked by Election Day Accepted
No later than the hour at which the board of canvassers
convenes to begin the canvass, absentee ballots by mail shall
be accepted if ballot bears a postmark of the US Postal Service
dated no later than Election Day and the ballot is received by the
County Clerk, within the required time. Absentee ballots from
military are accepted without postmark if received prior to start of
canvass.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-3-5(g)(2) 3-5-17
November 12, 2024 Canvass Returns
On the 5
th day, excluding Sundays, after General Election. If the
fifth day falls on a Saturday or legal holiday, the canvass shall
begin on the next business day. County Commission, as the
board of canvassers, meets to canvass General Election
returns. The board of canvassers shall meet from day to day
adjourning no longer than is necessary until the canvass is
complete.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-5-17, 3-6-9(a)(1)
CSR § 153-18-3
41
Deadline depends on
date canvass is
completed in all
jurisdictions.
Declare
Upon completion of canvass, publicly declare the election results
and wait 48 hours (do not count Saturdays, Sundays and legal
holidays) to allow for recount requests to be submitted.
Multi-county races must wait until the last county declares
results for the 48 hours to begin. Notice will be provided by the
Elections Division on the start times.
W. Va. Code § 3-5-17, §3-6-9(a)(8)
Deadline depends on
date results are
declared
Recount
Recount request must be made within 48 hours of the
declaration of results. If a candidate is on the ballot in more than
one county, the 48 hours begins after the final county’s
canvassing board declares the results. A candidate may
demand a recount.
Note: If a recount has been demanded, the board of
canvassers shall have 48 hours in which to send notice to all
candidates who filed for the office in which a recount has been
demanded. Such recount shall be set for no sooner than 3 days
after serving the notice. After the notice is served, candidates
so served shall then have an additional 24 hours in which to
demand a recount of precincts not requested to be recounted by
candidate originally requesting recount. The recount is open to
the public. However, only those authorized may handle election
materials.
W. Va. Code § 3-6-9
Deadline depends on
date results are
declared and recounts
Certify
48 hours after the declaration, CERTIFY election results in
races where a recount was NOT requested.
W. Va. Code §§ 3-5-17, 3-6-9, 3-6-10
Deadline depends on
date election results
are declared
Contest General Election
Within 10 days after the results of election are certified,
candidate may contest the General Election before the County
Commission in which any general procedures, practices or
results may be in issue. A contest is a legal proceeding. Legal
counsel should (but not mandatorily) be obtained by parties
involved.
- W. Va. Code §§ 3-8-5, 3-8-5(b);
- CSR § 146-3-8
October 23 – November
2, 2024
Early Voting in Person Conducted
Beginning on the 13th day and continuing through the third day
before the election, voter may vote an early ballot at the county
courthouse, an annex, or a designated community voting
location during normal business hours; additionally, early voting
must be conducted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the last 2
Saturdays before the General Election. - W. Va. Code § 3-3-3
October 29, 2024 Public Test of Tabulating Equipment
1 week prior to the start of the count of the votes, all automatic
tabulating equipment must be tested to ascertain that it will
accurately count the votes for all offices and on all measures.
Notice must be provided no more than 2 weeks but not less than
48 hours before test by publication of Class I-0 legal
advertisement. (Notice must be provided October 15 – October
27)
After processing pre-audited ballots, the County Commission
certifies the equipment to be free from error as determined by
the test. Testing material and certification is to be placed in a
sealed container until the start of canvass. - W. Va. Code §§ 3-4A-26, 59-3-1 et seq.
37
October 29 – November
4, 2024
Instructional Program Make-Up Session
Within last 7 days before election, County Clerk conducts makeup session for election officials unable to attend regular session. - W. Va. Code § 3-1-46(c)
October 29 – November
4, 2024
Publish Official List of Candidates or Sample Ballot for
Election Day
On the last day on which a newspaper is published immediately
preceding the General Election, Ballot Commissioners publish
the official list of candidates and issues, or the sample ballot, as
follows:
- For counties in which 2 or more qualified newspapers
publish a daily newspaper, publish as Class I-0 legal
advertisement in the 2 qualified daily newspapers of
different political parties within the county having the
largest circulation; or - For counties having no more than 1 daily newspaper, or
having only 1 or more qualified weekly newspapers,
publish as Class I legal advertisement in qualified
newspaper having largest circulation.
- W. Va. Code § 3-6-3, 59-3-1 et seq.
October 29 – Noon,
November 5, 2024
Receive Requests for Emergency Absentee Ballot
No earlier than 7 days preceding the election and no later than
noon of Election Day, a voter or a member of the voter’s
immediate family (or in counties with an extended policy, a staff
member of a nursing home) may request a ballot for voting
emergency absentee. A voter may be eligible to receive an
emergency absentee ballot in the following circumstances: - Voter in the hospital on Election Day;
- Replacement poll worker appointed after the period for
Early Voting; - Voter in licensed health care facilities within an adjacent
county or within 35 miles of the county seat (county policy
required); - Voter in nursing home within the county if he or she has
resided there for a period of less than 30 days (county
policy required); or - Voter becomes confined, on or after the seventh day
preceding an election, to a specific location within the
county because of illness, injury, physical disability, or
38
immobility due to advance age or other medical reason
(county policy required). - W. Va. Code §§ 3-3-1(d), 3-3-5c
October 30, 2024 Deadline for Absentee by Mail Application
Not later than the sixth day preceding the election, last day to
receive application for absentee ballot by mail. Ballot shall be
mailed no later than the following day. - W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(b)(1), 3-3-5(e)(1)
October 31, 2024
(By close of business
at the filing office)
Write-In Candidate Filing Deadline in Case of Death of
Candidate
Vacancy occurs no earlier than 48 days (September 18) and no
later than 5 days (October 31) before the General Election, the
certificate shall be received no later than the close of business 5
days before the election, or the close of business on the day
following the occurrence of the vacancy, whichever is later.
Write-in candidates file a certificate of announcement to become
certified write-in candidates in case of the death of a candidate. - W. Va. Code § 3-6-4a(c)(2)
November 2, 2024
(Deadline)
Deadline for Early Voting in Person
Last day to vote an early ballot in person (occurs on a Saturday) - W. Va. Code § 3-3-3
November 4, 2024 Deadline to Hand-Deliver Absentee Ballots to the County
Clerk’s Office
The last day for County Clerk to accept hand delivered absentee
ballot by mail is no later than 1 day preceding the election. No
person may personally deliver more than 2 absentee ballots in
any election. - W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(k)
November 4, 2024 Election Commissioners Receive Election Supplies
No later than 1 day before the General Election, the last day on
which election commissioner(s) of each precinct, as designated
by County Commissioners, shall receive necessary election
supplies from County Clerk. - W. Va. Code § 3-1-24, 3-4A-13(f)
39
November 4, 2024 Failure to Pick Up Supplies
By close of County Clerk’s Office 1 day prior to General
Election, Board of Ballot Commissioners (or chairman thereof)
forthwith dispatches, by special messenger, election supplies to
any election commissioner who has failed to pick up supplies by
designated time. - W. Va. Code § 3-1-25
November 5, 2024 GENERAL ELECTION DAY
Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even years. Polls
open at 6:30 a.m. and close 7:30 p.m. - W. Va. Code § 3-1-31
In counties using electronic voting systems, County Clerk must
deliver vote recording devices to polling places not less than 1
hour prior to polls opening. - W. Va. Code § 3-4A-16
If appointed election official fails to appear at polling place by
5:45 a.m., election officials shall contact County Clerk for
assistance in filling vacancy. - W. Va. Code § 3-1-30(k)
Upon request by or for persons eligible to vote emergency
absentee ballot made no later than noon of Election Day,
emergency absentee voting commissioners deliver application
and ballot to voter in hospital (or nursing home if authorized). - W. Va. Code § 3-3-5c
A voter whose registration record lists one address but has since
moved to another within the county may update the registration
at the polling place and shall vote in the precinct of current
residence using a provisional ballot. - W. Va. Code §§ 3-2-22(a)(6), 3-2-31(c)
A voter whose legal name has changed may update their
registration by filing an affidavit of change of legal name at the
polling place on Election Day without using a provisional ballot. - W. Va. Code § 3-2-22(d)(2)
40
November 5, 2024 Post Summary Returns
Upon completion of the count, the returns are to be open to the
public by posting a summary of the returns as have been
tabulated at the central counting center. - W. Va. Code § 3-4A-27(e)
November 5, 2024
(Deadline: 7:30 PM)
Absentee Ballots Received Electronically from Eligible
Voters Accepted
No later than the close of polls Election Day, accept absentee
ballots submitted electronically by eligible military and overseas
voters and eligible voters with physical disabilities. - W. Va. Code §3-3-5(i)
November 6, 2024 Absentee Ballots Without Postmark Accepted
1 day after Election Day, absentee ballots without postmark are
accepted if delivered by the US Postal Service or other express
shipping service and received by the County Clerk, no later than
the day after Election Day. (Does not apply to UOCAVA ballots.) - W. Va. Code § 3-3-5(g)(1)
November 12, 2024 Absentee Ballots Postmarked by Election Day Accepted
No later than the hour at which the board of canvassers
convenes to begin the canvass, absentee ballots by mail shall
be accepted if ballot bears a postmark of the US Postal Service
dated no later than Election Day and the ballot is received by the
County Clerk, within the required time. Absentee ballots from
military are accepted without postmark if received prior to start of
canvass. - W. Va. Code §§ 3-3-5(g)(2) 3-5-17
November 12, 2024 Canvass Returns
On the 5
th day, excluding Sundays, after General Election. If the
fifth day falls on a Saturday or legal holiday, the canvass shall
begin on the next business day. County Commission, as the
board of canvassers, meets to canvass General Election
returns. The board of canvassers shall meet from day to day
adjourning no longer than is necessary until the canvass is
complete. - W. Va. Code §§ 3-5-17, 3-6-9(a)(1)
- CSR § 153-18-3
41
Deadline depends on
date canvass is
completed in all
jurisdictions.
Declare
Upon completion of canvass, publicly declare the election results
and wait 48 hours (do not count Saturdays, Sundays and legal
holidays) to allow for recount requests to be submitted.
Multi-county races must wait until the last county declares
results for the 48 hours to begin. Notice will be provided by the
Elections Division on the start times. - W. Va. Code § 3-5-17, §3-6-9(a)(8)
Deadline depends on
date results are
declared
Recount
Recount request must be made within 48 hours of the
declaration of results. If a candidate is on the ballot in more than
one county, the 48 hours begins after the final county’s
canvassing board declares the results. A candidate may
demand a recount.
Note: If a recount has been demanded, the board of
canvassers shall have 48 hours in which to send notice to all
candidates who filed for the office in which a recount has been
demanded. Such recount shall be set for no sooner than 3 days
after serving the notice. After the notice is served, candidates
so served shall then have an additional 24 hours in which to
demand a recount of precincts not requested to be recounted by
candidate originally requesting recount. The recount is open to
the public. However, only those authorized may handle election
materials. - W. Va. Code § 3-6-9
Deadline depends on
date results are
declared and recounts
Certify
48 hours after the declaration, CERTIFY election results in
races where a recount was NOT requested. - W. Va. Code §§ 3-5-17, 3-6-9, 3-6-10
Deadline depends on
date election results
are declared
Contest General Election
Within 10 days after the results of election are certified,
candidate may contest the General Election before the County
Commission in which any general procedures, practices or
results may be in issue. A contest is a legal proceeding. Legal
counsel should (but not mandatorily) be obtained by parties
involved. - W. Va. Code §§ 3-7-1, 3-7-6
42
December 5, 2024
(Deadline)
Transmit Certificates of Results
The certification of the results of the General Election should be
sent to Secretary of State as soon as possible but no later than
30 days after the election.
Board of canvassers transmits original certificates of election
results for all offices to be filled by the voters of more than one
county to the Secretary of State, along with copies of certificat
