Election 2008

Determine your future

You determine your future when you exercise your right to vote.

For the first time in West Virginia in this primary election, registered Independent voters will be able to vote in the Republican, Democratic or the Mountain Party primary. Registered Independents need to ask for the Republican, the Democrat or the Mountain Party ballot when they cast their vote.

Call to Action

Mountain State Centers for Independent Living challenges you to command attention from your local and state politicians, help eliminate voting barriers and promote awareness of the force of the disability community across West Virginia as you cast your ballot. Get involved in the political and policy process of your state and community. Be responsible and let your voice be heard.

Voting is your civic duty and your right! By exercising your right to vote, YOU determine election outcomes. When you vote, you are expressing your opinion for a candidate that, if elected, holds the power to determine issues that, good or bad, impact your life and your future.

For the approximately 400,000 West Virginians with disabilities, elected officials have the power to impact access to Medicare, Medicaid, employment and housing opportunities, ADA compliance and other disability related issues. Your elected official holds your life in their hands.

Primary Election - May 13, 2008

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Deadline to register to vote in the Primary Election is April 22, 2008.
Early voting runs from April 23, 2008 to May 10, 2008 for the primary election.
Absentee ballots accepted by mail from February 19, 2008 to May 7, 2008 for the Primary Election.
Emergency absentee voting period runs from May 6, 2008 to noon on May 13, 2008.

General Election - November 4, 2008

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Deadline to register to vote in the general election is October 14, 2008
Early voting runs from October 15, 2008 to November 1, 2008 for the General Election.
Absentee ballots accepted by mail from August 12, 2008 to October 29, 2008 for the General Election.
Emergency absentee voting period runs from October 28, 2008 to noon on November 3, 2008.

Who will we elect?

In 2008, West Virginia voters will not only participate in the election of the next President of the United States, but will also determine who represents us in Washington, our next Governor and several county seats. These decisions will determine the quality of our medical care, where we live, where we work and the quality of our children's education. So get out and vote.

Federal Level:

President
US Senate seat - seat currently held by Senator Rockefeller
3 House of Representatives seats

State Level:

Governor
Secretary of State
Attorney General
State Treasurer
State Auditor
Commissioner of Agriculture
Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals

District Level:

State Senate
House of Delegates
Circuit Judge
Family Court Judge

County Level:

County Commission - at least one full term in each county
Prosecuting Attorney
Circuit Judge
Sheriff
Assessor
Magistrate
Board of Education - two seats in each county

View a sample ballot by county.

How can you learn more about the candidates?

It is important to get to know the candidates before you vote. Educate yourself and plan to:

Attend local candidate and political forums
Visit local campaign headquarters to request information on the candidates
Contact the candidates directly and talk with them about their platforms and discuss the issues that are important to you
Read the local newspapers
Listen to debates on television
Research the candidate's previous voting records, campaign finances and contributors, and read their biographies

You can also visit the Project Vote Smart Web site to find a list of candidates running for congress in the primary election, along with links to learn more about them, as well as information on other candidates.

Learn More Online

Visit the WV Votes Web site to learn more about registering to voting, voting machines, early voting and more.

The Secretary of State for West Virginia is also the Chief Election Officer of West Virginia. Visit the Web site for the Secretary of State to learn more about the election process in West Virginia.

Learn more about the political parties and the political party process: