2006 Election - Your Vote Did Count

The political signs have all but disappeared, the television and radio commercials have ceased, but there will be excitement in the air on January 10, 2007 as the 2007 WV Legislative session begins.

On November 7, 2006, it was evident across West Virginia that "votes counted" as voters cast their ballots keeping Democrats in charge of the WV Legislature. Republicans lost four seats in the House of Delegates reducing their number to 28 of 100 member body. Twenty-three Republicans and 51 Democrats won re-election. Democrats picked up six spots and Republicans picked up two seats.

Half of the 34 seats of the WV Senate were up for re-election. Election results show that Democrats picked up two seats, bringing their majority to 23.

Eighty-eight year old WV Senator Robert C. Byrd made American history on November 7th, winning a ninth consecutive term in the United States Senate.

Secretary of State Betty Ireland released the unofficial voter turnout for the 2006 General Election:

Total Registered Voters: 1,137,371
Total Unofficial Turnout: 464,060
Percentage Unofficial Turnout: 40.80%

For more indepth voting statistics please visit the West Virginia Secretary of State Web site.

Regardless of any political affiliations, citizen advocates will return to the State Capitol in January to visit their legislators to educate them about the need for such things as affordable, accessible housing, transportation, Medicaid waiver programs, Money Follows the Person, employment, ADA enforcement, and funding for independent living programs.

Mountain State Centers for Independent Living will be providing transportation to the State Capitol during the 2007 legislative session. Watch this site for continued updates as we move toward the 2007 legislation session and be sure to visit the Events Calendar for your opportunity to visit our State Capitol and your legislator.