West VirginiaSB 4812026 Regular SessionSenate

Relating to elections

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Election board staffing and city-only exception

A standard receiving board must have at least five people: a team of poll clerks, a team of election commissioners for the ballot box, and one extra commissioner. For paper ballots, the counting board must include a team of poll clerks, a team of election commissioners, and one extra commissioner. Each team has two people from opposite political parties; no team may be two of the same party or two unaffiliated. The county must set how many boards each polling place uses and notify the two major parties in writing at least 84 days before each primary and general election how many nominations they can make. Until July 1, 2032, when a city holds an election with no county or state election, the city performs the county’s duties for that section, and a receiving board may have as few as four people. The law also defines election official trainees as 16‑ or 17‑year‑olds who meet statutory requirements.

Precinct lines match city and Census maps

Counties must set precinct lines to match city limits and city wards unless that is wholly impracticable. Cities must give current boundary maps to the county clerk. Precinct lines must follow Census‑recognized features like streets, streams, railroads, or ridge lines. Counties must update lines to follow those features and send changes to the Secretary of State.

State centralizes redistricting data and maps

Each county must send updated precinct boundaries and data so the state can take part in Census redistricting projects. The Secretary of State serves as the Legislature’s agent to the U.S. Census Bureau and submits, verifies, and shares those files with legislative leaders. After redistricting ends, the Legislature must give updated maps and technical files to the Secretary, who submits them to the Census and keeps current and prior versions online and at the Capitol. Counties must keep current precinct and magisterial district maps at the courthouse, and the Secretary keeps accessible copies and preserves old versions.

Precinct size and consolidation rules

Counties must divide each magisterial district into numbered precincts, with one voting place in each. In urban centers, precincts must have 300–1,500 registered voters; in rural areas, 200–700. Counties must fix any precinct above the maximum, and may allow one below the minimum only with a written undue‑hardship finding. Counties may consolidate precincts whose polling places were within one mile on or after July 1, 2014, up to 3,000 voters in urban areas and 1,500 in rural areas, but not if it creates travel hardship. If a precinct has over 700 voters but only one convenient place to vote, the county may create two or more precincts that share the same building and must assign voters alphabetically; each is reported separately. If the county fails to rearrange precincts as required, any qualified voter can seek a writ of mandamus.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jack Woodrum
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Anitra Hamilton
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 258 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 597)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 421)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 420)