May 9, 2016
Secretary Tennant Announces Record High Early Voting Numbers, Encourages West Virginians to Continue Momentum
Charleston, W.Va. – With 55 of 55 counties reporting, West Virginia
Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said that 100,962 people cast
their ballot during the early voting period, setting a record for early
voting in a primary election.
“We know that West Virginians are excited about voting this year, with every race on the ballot except for U.S. Senate,” Secretary Tennant said. “Early voting presents a great opportunity to fit voting into busy schedules and I couldn’t be happier with West Virginia’s 2016 early voting numbers. In 2002, we saw just 14,000 participate in early voting and we saw more than 100,000 this year. Let’s continue this momentum and set a voter turnout record tomorrow.”
Secretary Tennant added that 5,252 absentee ballots have been returned voted to county clerks, for a total of 106,214. Absentee ballots can be postmarked by the United States Postal Service (USPS) by May 10th.
In the 2014 primary there were 45,144 early votes cast during the early voting period; in 2012 that number was 57,553; in 2010 that number was 40,644; and in 2008 that number was 65,845.
As West Virginians prepare to vote on primary election day tomorrow, Secretary Tennant reminds residents if they feel their voting rights have been violated or if they believe they have witnessed an election law violation to contact the Secretary of State’s Office immediately at (304) 558-6000 or 1-866-SOS-VOTE.
“While we cannot publicly discuss the details of individual election law violation investigations, I can assure the citizens of West Virginia that we look into every single allegation that comes in to this office,” Secretary Tennant said. “It doesn’t matter what political party you belong to, where in West Virginia you are, or what office you may hold. If you break the law and try to manipulate our election process, we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Secretary of State’s Office will send out dozens of liaisons across the state on Election Day. These liaisons will be able to assist local election workers and will improve communication between state and local officials on Primary Election Day. These liaisons will also be able to respond quickly to reports of election law violations to be able to quickly evaluate any issues. This is the same comprehensive statewide plan used by the Secretary of State’s Office in all statewide elections dating back to the 2010 Primary.
Voters can find sample ballots, information about candidates, campaign finance reports, the Voter Bill of Rights and information about the different voting systems used in West Virginia on the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.govotewv.com/.
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 10. Polls will be open in West Virginia from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“We know that West Virginians are excited about voting this year, with every race on the ballot except for U.S. Senate,” Secretary Tennant said. “Early voting presents a great opportunity to fit voting into busy schedules and I couldn’t be happier with West Virginia’s 2016 early voting numbers. In 2002, we saw just 14,000 participate in early voting and we saw more than 100,000 this year. Let’s continue this momentum and set a voter turnout record tomorrow.”
Secretary Tennant added that 5,252 absentee ballots have been returned voted to county clerks, for a total of 106,214. Absentee ballots can be postmarked by the United States Postal Service (USPS) by May 10th.
In the 2014 primary there were 45,144 early votes cast during the early voting period; in 2012 that number was 57,553; in 2010 that number was 40,644; and in 2008 that number was 65,845.
As West Virginians prepare to vote on primary election day tomorrow, Secretary Tennant reminds residents if they feel their voting rights have been violated or if they believe they have witnessed an election law violation to contact the Secretary of State’s Office immediately at (304) 558-6000 or 1-866-SOS-VOTE.
“While we cannot publicly discuss the details of individual election law violation investigations, I can assure the citizens of West Virginia that we look into every single allegation that comes in to this office,” Secretary Tennant said. “It doesn’t matter what political party you belong to, where in West Virginia you are, or what office you may hold. If you break the law and try to manipulate our election process, we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Secretary of State’s Office will send out dozens of liaisons across the state on Election Day. These liaisons will be able to assist local election workers and will improve communication between state and local officials on Primary Election Day. These liaisons will also be able to respond quickly to reports of election law violations to be able to quickly evaluate any issues. This is the same comprehensive statewide plan used by the Secretary of State’s Office in all statewide elections dating back to the 2010 Primary.
Voters can find sample ballots, information about candidates, campaign finance reports, the Voter Bill of Rights and information about the different voting systems used in West Virginia on the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.govotewv.com/.
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 10. Polls will be open in West Virginia from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact:
Briana Wilson
Briana Wilson
