Going to the Polls on Election Day

Polling Hours are 6:30 am - 7:30 pm for All Elections

Preparing to Vote

Sometimes people are nervous about voting because they are uncertain how things are done at the polls.  Understanding where to go and what to expect at the polling place will help you vote, and help you recognize problems which might be occurring at the polling place. 

On Election Day Did You Vote a Provisional Ballot?

If there is a question about your eligibility to vote in an election, you will be required to vote a provisional ballot. Your ballot will not be opened on election night. The canvassing board will review the information associated with the ballot at the canvass and will determine whether or not your vote can be counted. You may learn how your provisional ballot was handled by contacting your county official or by contacting the Secretary of State’s office, Elections Division, at www.wvsos.com or 1-866-SOS-VOTE.

Requesting Time Off to Vote

You can request up to 3 hours off from your employer, without taking leave or a deduction of pay, if you do not have at least 3 hours before or after work that you can go to the polls to vote.  This request must be made in writing and be given to your employer at least 3 days prior to election day.  If you have time before or after work to go to the polls to vote, this provision does not apply to you.  Click here to see this provision of state law.

Finding Your Polling Place

Just checking with a neighbor about where to vote can be dangerous.  District lines and precinct lines may have changed.  Also, a precinct line can divide one family from the family across the road, because many precinct lines follow roads and streets.

When voters are moved from one precinct to another by realignment, a notice is usually sent through the mail.  If you get a notice, post it in a convenient place until election day.  If you are uncertain about your polling place location, check with your County Clerk.  Your voter registration record can be checked to make sure you are registered at your current address, and the clerk can tell you where your polling place is located.

Understanding Procedures

Different voting systems have different procedures in issuing ballots and handling matters at the polls.   Select the voting system your county uses to see a summary of the standard procedures at the polling place, and the instructions you will see when you enter the voting booth.  If you are uncertain which system your county uses, go to Voting Systems in West Virginia to see how your county votes.

Election Day Procedures at the Polls:

Optical Scan Voting Systems

Paper Ballots

iVotronic

Automark

Automark and M100

Instructions in the Voting Booth:

Optical Scan Systems

iVotronic

Paper Ballots

Automark