May 9, 2016 Secretary Tennant Announces Record High Early Voting Numbers, Encourages West Virginians to Continue Momentum
5/9/2016

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.

Contact:
Briana Wilson
5/11/2016

Unofficial State Voter Turnout At 40 Percent, Secretary Tennant Thanks Election Workers For Their Dedication

Charleston, W.Va. – West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant reported today that West Virginia’s unofficial voter turnout was 40 percent with 487,550 ballots cast. This number includes ballots cast in 54 of 55 counties. Unofficial voter turnout in the 2012 primary election was 27 percent, and was 36 percent in the 2008 primary election.

The voter canvass begins Monday. More information on the canvass and recount process can be found here.

Tennant thanked local election officials for their hard work leading up to Primary Election Day, saying their months of dedication resulted in a smooth election.

“This year’s primary election ballot was longer than usual and while we did hear reports of some longer lines, we also heard reports of very smooth experiences in the majority of precincts,” Tennant said. “Elections take a great deal of preparation and I’m thankful for statewide election workers’ dedication to our democratic process.”

Secretary Tennant reminded citizens that if they feel their voting rights have been violated they can contact the Secretary of State’s Office at (304) 558-6000 or 1-866-SOS-VOTE. The Voter’s Bill of Rights is available here.

Contact:
Briana Wilson
6/10/2016

Counties Finish Primary Election Certification Process

Charleston, W.Va. – Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant announced today that all counties have certified their results for the 2016 primary, which included West Virginia’s first non-partisan judicial elections.

Following the election, clerks have 30 days to report certified election returns to the Secretary of State’s Office. Canvass takes place five days after the Election. At the end of canvass, begins the recount request period. After any requested recounts are completed, then the county may certify the results.

Results for judicial elections will now be delivered to Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, who will officially proclaim winners of those races.

Additionally, The Secretary of State’s Office also will provide certified results to state Republican Party leaders, who determine which delegates will attend the Republican Party’s National Convention in July.

Secretary Tennant, once again, thanks local election officials for their hard work during the primary, canvass and recount periods.
Contact:
Briana Wilson