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.
- West Virginia
«
Press Releases from WV Secretary of State
5/9/2016
Contact:
Briana Wilson
5/11/2016
Contact:
Briana Wilson
6/10/2016
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
Secretary Tennant Announces Record High Early Voting Numbers, Encourages West Virginians to Continue Momentum
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.
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