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,

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.

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,

With the start of the new year, the 2026 election cycle is just around the corner. The May 12th Primary Election is now 4 months away, beginning with the candidate filing period on January 12th. For just over two weeks,

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.

Some voters could find themselves unable to cast ballots for their preferred candidate in the Mountain State’s May 12 primary.

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.

Those interested in running for office in West Virginia are ready for the candidate filing period, starting on Monday. Any voter who wants to run can file in

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.

Jay Taylor, Majority Whip of the West Virginia State Senate, announced his campaign for reelection, citing a strong conservative record of results, proven leadership, and a commitment to rural West Virginia.

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.