https://sos.wv.gov/news/Pages/default.aspx
West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner
December 14, 2020

Secretary Warner and Governor Justice to host the official meeting of West Virginia's 2020 Presidential Electors

Media Notice:

Charleston, W.Va. — Secretary of State Mac Warner and Governor Jim Justice will host the official meeting of West Virginia's Presidential Electors today at 2:00 p.m. to formally vote for the President and Vice President of the United States.

As prescribed by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, West Virginia's five (5) Presidential Electors will meet to sign the "Certificate of Vote" relating to the outcome of the November 3, 2020, General Election.

The final vote tallies from West Virginia's 55 counties are as follows:

  • Donald J. Trump (Republican) 545,382 (68.63%)

  • Joseph R. Biden (Democratic) 235,984 (29.70%)

  • Jo Jorgensen (Libertarian) 10,687 (1.34%)

  • Howie Hawkins (Mountain) 2,599 (0.33%)

Current President Donald J. Trump will receive all five (5) of West Virginia's electoral votes. Casting those votes, as selected by the Trump Campaign and as part of the United States Electoral College, will be:

  • Lewis Rexroad – WV 1st Congressional District Presidential Elector

  • Beth Bloch – WV 2nd Congressional District Presidential Elector

  • Gov. Jim Justice – WV 3rd Congressional District Presidential Elector

  • Paul Hartling – WV At-Large Presidential Elector

  • Gary Duncan – WV At-Large Presidential Elector

The ceremony will take place today beginning at 2 p.m. and will be live-streamed.

Media and all West Virginians are encouraged to tune into the live stream of the ceremony at the following links:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/6INxiccAEWk

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WVGovernor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wvgovernor



December 9, 2020

Warner signs Declaration of Election Results for November 2020 General Election

Charleston, W.Va. — At a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, Secretary of State Mac Warner signed the declarations for the official election results certified by the counties for the Nov. 3, 2020, General Election. Official results can be found here.

"The pandemic challenged election officials to use all legally available voting options to guarantee every legally registered voter the right and opportunity to participate in the Primary and General Elections of 2020," Warner said. "In West Virginia, we led a successful, record-setting General Election, and I am proud of how we worked together to uphold the integrity of the election process."

In the 2020 General Election, voters cast 802,726 ballots, including 145,133 by absentee and 263,012 during the early voting period, the highest early and absentee participation in West Virginia history. The overall turnout is the highest since the record-setting presidential election of 1960 when West Virginia had at least 50,000 more residents than today.

Of those who cast absentee ballots, 1,562 of them were cast electronically, including 271 voters with physical disabilities that prevented them from voting in-person and without assistance, and 1,291 military and overseas voters.

At the press conference, Warner commended the state's 55 county clerks for their close coordination and communication with his office. Collectively, county clerks managed 1,708 precincts and more than 9,000 poll workers, many of whom stepped up when alternate poll workers were needed in place of veteran poll workers.

"West Virginia's General Election was deployed safely, securely and accurately thanks to the hard work of these election officials," Warner said.

Warner also noted West Virginia's efforts to deter voter and election fraud associated with the elections. In April, Warner and U.S. Attorneys Bill Powell and Mike Stuart announced the formation of the WV Election Fraud Task Force – a multi-agency law enforcement effort. The Task Force includes the U.S. Attorney's Office, FBI, WV Attorney General's Office, WV State Police and local law enforcement, and the WV Secretary of State's Investigations Division.

The Secretary of State's Investigations Division operates an Election Fraud Tip Line through which citizens can report suspicious election activities 24 hours a day. The anonymous toll-free number is 1-877-FRAUD-WV.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced today that West Virginia will join a case brought by the state of Texas in the United States Supreme Court regarding other states’ alleged irregularities and potential unconstitutional actions that undermine the confidence in the electoral process. The suit is not pertinent to West Virginia’s election, which was one of the most secure and safe in history. To read the Attorney General’s press release, click here. For questions or comments related to the case, please contact the Attorney General’s Office at 304-558-2021.



November 20, 2020
Op-Ed Submission

The unsung heroes of free, fair and successful elections


As West Virginians reflect on the 2020 elections and look forward to a season of gratitude, we should be especially thankful to those who helped lead our state through another free and fair election.

We should take pride in our leaders’ and fellow citizens’ willingness to work together to secure democracy during a challenging time such as this. We owe it to the county clerks, poll workers, the Governor’s Office, DHHR and other state and federal partners for banding together to ensure all West Virginians had information and access to participate in such an historic moment.

West Virginia general election voters set records for the most absentee and early votes cast in West Virginia history, and this year’s overall turnout is highest since the record-setting presidential election of 1960. It is worth noting that West Virginia had over 50,000 more residents in 1960 than we do today.

To the more than 800,000 voters who made your voices heard, your strong turnout is the foundation for confidence in our system and the election results. Your participation and patience at the polls have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate your willingness to cooperate with local guidelines to keep our election workers and fellow voters safe during the 2020 election cycle held during this pandemic.

We also appreciate voters’ willingness to cooperate and have patience with our county clerks as they adapted to the pandemic to hold the safest elections possible. County clerks worked tirelessly to ensure their communities were afforded safe and secure options to vote and communicated constantly with our office and their local government agencies to enact these safety precautions.

We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the poll workers who served on the frontlines during early voting and on Election Day. To the thousands of veteran, first-time, and alternate poll workers who signed up to serve and ensure safe in-person voting, your commitment to our democracy is immeasurable.

A special thanks goes to the more than one thousand candidates who ran for public office this cycle, as they are the core of our democracy. This was a challenging year to campaign, yet they put their personal lives on hold; they put themselves “out there” for the betterment of the state, and they put forth ideas and policies that energized our electorate to participate in record numbers. The direction and the future of our state now lies the hands of the leaders we have chosen.

Overall, West Virginia had a very smooth election, but it wasn’t without its challenges. On Election Day, our office received routine calls about polling locations and the typical issues observed in polling places.

In one unusual situation, a voter accidentally knocked over a voting machine, putting it out of service. Fortunately, officials replaced the machine in a reasonable amount of time and voting resumed as normal.

In another case, power was knocked out due to a windstorm. Thanks to constant communication with power companies and local emergency service providers, they deployed pre-positioned portable generators restoring power without delay.

On the state level, our partners at the National Guard and Office of Technology kept watch on digital threats to our elections systems. The Fusion Center and our law enforcement agencies kept watch on physical security at the polling locations, and the Election Anti-Fraud Task Force stood guard to investigate any improprieties. We kept in close contact throughout Election Day and had constant communications regarding voter safety and election security.

This election will be remembered prominently in the history books. We provided voters more ways to vote than any other state, and voters responded with record numbers.

Our clerks tallied votes and delivered results on Election Night, and we did not experience the difficulties so many other states underwent. This was a team effort by often unsung heroes, with everybody doing their part.

West Virginians should be proud of how we cooperated in 2020 to execute one of the best, if not the best, free and fair election in the United States.

Mac Warner is in his fourth year as WV Secretary of State. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the West Virginia University College of Law.


October 28, 2020

Warner reminds voters that the online portal for Absentee Ballot Applications is open until 11:59pm tonight

Charleston, W.Va. — Today, Oct. 28, is the final day for a currently registered voter in West Virginia to apply for an absentee ballot to vote in the upcoming Nov. 3 General Election.

According to WV Secretary of State Mac Warner, registered voters can complete a paper Absentee Ballot Application as long as it arrives at their county clerk's office by the end of the day today. Warner is encouraging citizens who want to vote by absentee and who have internet access to use the state's new online portal to file an Absentee Ballot Application.

The online portal can be found at GoVoteWV.com.

"The online portal allows voters to securely and quickly request an absentee ballot," Warner said. "In most cases, county clerks are able to mail out an absentee ballot the very next day."

Warner said that time is of the essence for voters planning to participate by absentee ballot. To be counted, absentee ballots must be hand-delivered to the county clerk’s office by Nov. 2, or postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the start of canvass, Nov. 9. Voters may track their absentee ballot at GoVoteWV.com.

Absentee ballot applications can be completed online until 11:59 p.m. this evening.

"We want every eligible voter to participate in the General Election," Warner said. "If you've found yourself needing to vote by absentee ballot, please consider filing your Application Ballot Application online as soon as possible."

Applicants are encouraged to enter an email address when filling out the online application in order to receive a confirmation notice upon submission.

For more information on the General Election visit GoVoteWV.com.


October 21, 2020

Secretary of State Mac Warner Announces Start of In-Person Early Voting

Charleston, W.Va. — Today, Secretary of State Mac Warner announced the start of in-person early voting, which will run from today through 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Voters can find hours and early voting locations in their county here. From Monday through Friday, early voting precincts will observe the hours of operation as directed by the county courthouse. On Saturdays, early voting locations throughout the state will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Voters and election workers are asked to follow the DHHR's COVID-19 Guidance for Polling Locations & Voters. Face coverings are required inside of polling places pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 50-20. Certain exceptions do apply to those with medical conditions.

Voters are also asked to social distance when inside a polling location or while standing in line outside of a polling location. Hand sanitizer will be provided, and poll workers have been provided with masks, face shields and gloves.

Importantly, under the law, no person may be turned away from the polls. However, voters who do not follow the Governor’s mandate may be asked to wear a face-covering while near others inside the polling place, or otherwise vote at a location within the polling place that is a safe distance away from others.

Before going to the polls, West Virginia voters should remember to bring proper ID. The full list of acceptable forms of identification is linked here.

For more information about voting in the upcoming election, visit GoVoteWV.com.


October 19, 2020

More than 1,000 voters have already cast electronic absentee ballots

Charleston, W.Va. — Secretary of State Mac Warner announced today that as of Oct. 19, a total of 1,053 eligible West Virginia voters have already cast their ballots in the 2020 General Election using the electronic absentee method. In West Virginia, electronic voting is limited to active military and overseas voters as well as voters who have a qualifying disability.

The total includes 921 active military or overseas, and 132 with a physical disability which prevents them from voting in person and voting a paper ballot without assistance.

In 2018, West Virginia was the first state in the nation to make electronic absentee return available via smartphone or tablet to voters covered under UOCAVA, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voters Act. The success of the two election test pilots conducted in 2018 led the West Virginia Legislature to expand the opportunity to voters with certain physical disabilities. The electronic return option is crucial for overseas voters who may be experiencing mail service delays and disruptions as a result of their military assignments and COVID-19. However, voters are still permitted to use the paper absentee, fax, or email ballot methods if they prefer.

"West Virginia is proud to offer our military, overseas, and citizens with physical disabilities the option to vote electronically with a secure and reliable online option,” Warner said. “Other states are looking to West Virginia as a role model for eliminating barriers to the ballot box. We are proud to lead the nation in options to vote.”

There is still time for eligible voters to apply and use the option to cast their ballot in the upcoming election. Eligible voters who are interested in using the e-voting option can apply using the Absentee Ballot Application portal at GoVoteWV.com or by submitting a paper application to their county clerk. Military and overseas voters may also use the Federal Post Card Application at FVAP.gov. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Oct. 28, and the application must be received by the county clerk on this date to be accepted. Electronic ballots must be received on Nov. 3 by 7:30 p.m. ET.

The e-voting pilot is a collaboration with the West Virginia Secretary of State, Democracy Live, Tusk Philanthropies, and the National Cybersecurity Center.

For more information about voting in the upcoming General Election, visit GoVoteWV.com.


October 1, 2020

Anheuser-Busch Delivering Hand Sanitizer in Support of a Safe General Election in West Virginia

Charleston, W.Va. — To help ensure the safety of voters and poll workers throughout the election process, Anheuser-Busch produced and donated more than 43,000 ounces of hand sanitizer to be used at polling locations across West Virginia for this November’s General Election.

The donation is part of a broader program in collaboration with the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where the brewer is donating more than eight million ounces of hand sanitizer to election offices across the country.

“This partnership between Anheuser-Busch and America’s election officials allows voters to have confidence that our deeply rooted tradition of casting a ballot in-person will have one additional protection available for voters and election workers to stay safe. West Virginia and our county clerks appreciate the partnership with Anheuser-Busch to make and distribute hand sanitizer, to further help election officials hold a safe, fair and successful Presidential election in November,” said Mac Warner, West Virginia Secretary of State.

Over the summer, Anheuser-Busch leveraged its production capabilities to produce hand sanitizer at its Baldwinsville, NY and Los Angeles, CA breweries. This week, the brewer teamed up with local wholesaler partner, Spriggs Distributing Company in South Charleston, WV, and utilized their collective logistics expertise to deliver the sanitizer locally to support polling locations and election offices.

“Spriggs Distributing is proud to work alongside Anheuser-Busch and the State of West Virginia to help support a clean and safe election for voters this year,” said Casey Hill, one of the owners of Spriggs Distributing Co. “We’re happy to do our part to provide safe elections in West Virginia.”

“Anheuser-Busch is committed to uniting our communities, strengthening our democracy and encouraging even greater participation in the political process. One part of this commitment is shifting our production capabilities to donate hand sanitizer so that election officials and voters throughout the country can take part in a safe election this fall.” said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer, Anheuser-Busch. “We like to say that ‘beer is bipartisan’ and we are proud to step up and serve our communities during this election season.”

Anheuser-Busch first began producing and distributing hand sanitizer earlier this year to help accommodate the growing need for critical resources among its employees, partners and communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring, the brewer donated more than 500,000 8oz bottles of hand sanitizer to community organizations – including emergency management agencies, food banks, and healthcare systems – across 20 states and Washington DC.


September 30, 2020

Warner offers clarity on WV absentee ballot application tampering case

Charleston, W.Va. — Today, West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner offered clarification to comments made by the President in Tuesday night's Presidential Debate. While the debate covered various election issues throughout the U.S., Warner made clear that West Virginia experienced a unique circumstance where a postal carrier altered absentee ballot applications, not ballots.

An astute county clerk readily uncovered the altered applications and quickly turned the case over to the Secretary of State. Prior to the election, Warner had organized an Election Anti-Fraud Task Force consisting of WV’s U.S. Attorneys, the FBI, the WV Attorney General, the WV State Police, local law enforcement and the Secretary of State investigations team. The Anti-Fraud Task Force went to work, brought in the regional Post Office Inspector General, and the Task Force had a confession from the postal carrier within days.

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of WV prosecuted the case, and in July, the postal carrier pled guilty.

"The timely prosecution of election fraud in the 2020 Primary election cycle in West Virginia shows that we take election fraud seriously, that the system we have in place works well. Voters should be confident that this election will be safe, secure, and fair,” Warner said.

Warner said that he shares the President's concern over the potential for increased election fraud with the increase in absentee voting and in those vote-by-mail-only states where millions of ballots are mailed to voters who haven't requested them. However, Warner said that states can mitigate the increase in possible election fraud with effective strategies to deter, investigate, and prosecute those who would attempt to cheat.

Warner praised West Virginia’s 55 county clerks who work tirelessly to prevent election fraud and interference of all types from taking place.

“We have conducted extensive training with clerks and election officials, covering everything from cyber security, to continuity of operations, to preventing and detecting fraud. This was a prime example of a dedicated clerk, closely watching her election process, and quickly reporting an anomaly as she had been trained to do. The system worked, and we were able to rapidly assure the voters of West Virginia that the election was secure,” Warner said.

The Secretary of State's Office has a toll free phone number to take complaints of improper election activities: 877-FRAUD-WV (877-372-8688).


September 17, 2020

DHHR recommendations for safe polling locations released for 2020 General Election

Charleston, W.Va. — Thanks to the safeguards put into place by the state and local officials, no cases of COVID-19 were attributed to West Virginia's June Primary Election. Secretary of State Mac Warner said his team and the county clerks are again working towards the same goal for the November General Election.

According to Warner, his office, the HAVA Grant Board, State Election Commission, and the state's 55 county clerks are working closely to administer more than $2 million in federal funds to counties for protecting the health and safety of poll workers, voters, and the general public when voting in the General Election.

Statewide, there are more than 1,700 voting precincts. Warner said personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and face shields, will be purchased and available for every poll worker. Cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer were secured for regularly cleaning voting equipment, surfaces, and keeping polling locations safe.

"Our number one priority is to keep every poll worker and every voter safe from COVID-19," Warner said. "A lot of preparation has taken place behind the scenes, and our counties are prepared to hold another safe election in November."

Warner and his staff have been working with the WV Department of Health & Human Resources (DHHR) to develop public guidelines for election workers and voters. Those guidelines were approved and released this week. To view the DHHR document, click here.

Included in the guidelines is the requirement for face coverings imposed by Executive Order 50-20. Specifically, face coverings must be worn by “[a]ll individuals age 9 and over . . . when in confined, indoor spaces . . . and when not able to adequately social distance from other individuals who do not reside in the same household.” To view the executive order, click here.

Therefore, those voting in-person must wear a face covering while inside the polling precinct. Voters who do not have a face covering will be provided one, and social distancing will be observed to the extent possible. Although no voter may be refused the right to vote under law, wearing a mask is mandatory and will make others more comfortable while voting in person.

The DHHR also issued guidance for county clerks, their staff, and poll workers to follow for safely processing absentee ballots. Even though there will be substantial in-person protections in place, Warner encourages all voters to have a plan to vote and be prepared.

"These guidelines are an important part of our public education campaign to ensure that West Virginia is prepared to offer safe polling locations and options for every voter during the pandemic," Warner said. "For in-person voters, please bring your mask. Consider voting during the early voting period or on Election Day at a less-busy time."

To learn more about polling locations, safety precautions, how to become a poll worker, absentee voting, and up-to-date election information, visit the Secretary of State's website at GoVoteWV.com.


September 14, 2020

Warner adds WV-specific clarity to US Postal Service suggestions for safeguards for absentee voting by mail

Charleston, W.Va. — Secretary of State Mac Warner says that a recent nationwide postcard mailer sent by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) – offering suggestions for planning ahead to vote absentee – highlights the need for voters to be aware of West Virginia-specific deadlines to ensure ballots arrive on time.

While some West Virginia residents have already received the USPS postcard, according to the Postal Service, all residential addresses and P.O. Boxes in West Virginia should receive the mailing by Sept. 15.

According to Warner, the USPS postcard mailer does not provide all important WV election deadlines. Rather, the postcard suggests that voters should plan ahead to get their election materials to the USPS to ensure on-time delivery. Warner said that he believes the USPS mailer was well-intended, but there is an inaccurate reference to a suggested mailing deadline, which could confuse some voters.

For the 2020 General Election, the last day WV voters can request an absentee ballot is Oct. 28. However, the USPS asks for voters to mail the absentee request 15 days in advance to ensure delivery to the county clerk and to give time for voters to complete their ballot.

The postcard also recommends for absentee voters to mail their absentee ballot seven days before Election Day. However, WV voters can mail their ballots at any time, including on Election Day, so long as the envelope is postmarked on that day. The USPS recommends mailing sooner, but WV law does not require it.

There are many options for voters to request an absentee ballot if they choose not to vote in person. Voters may request a ballot online at GoVoteWV.com, by printing an application and mailing it to their county clerk, or calling or emailing their county clerk to request an application be mailed to their address.

The important message from the USPS is for voters to plan and take action early to the extent possible. Warner said, “Know your options and make a plan early. Know your in-person options to early vote or to vote at your polling location. If voting absentee is preferred, take early action to request an absentee ballot and submit it as soon as you are informed on the candidates. Be ready to cast your ballot ahead of the deadlines and consider the suggestions from the USPS to mail it early to ensure delivery.”

"We want to work with the Postal Service and their efforts for educating voters on the use of the mail to cast a ballot, and others who want to communicate with voters in an effort to increase voter participation. But the opposite occurs when incomplete or inaccurate information confuses voters. No one wants that to happen," Warner said.

Warner again invites any organization, candidate, or political action committee to obtain election information from trusted sources at GoVoteWV.com or the county clerks prior to communicating with voters on deadlines relative to West Virginia election law.

To date, over 60,000 West Virginia voters have requested to vote by absentee ballot. More than 30,000 of the absentee ballot requests were submitted online, which eliminates the USPS from the application process completely. County clerks will begin mailing absentee ballots on Sept. 18.

To learn more about absentee ballot voting in West Virginia, visit GoVoteWV.com.


September 10, 2020

Warner says 58,995 voters have requested to vote by absentee ballot in first four week

Charleston, W.Va. — Absentee ballots are proving to continue to be a popular method of voting heading into the early stages of the General Election. The available options for voters during the COVID-19 pandemic include the ability to request an absentee ballot using COVID-19 as an excuse, just as West Virginia provided in the Primary Election. The absentee ballot request period began on Aug. 11.

In just the first four weeks of the absentee ballot request period, a total of 58,995 requests have already been received. Once an Absentee Ballot Application is received online or by mail, county clerks review the application to verify the voter's identity and process the approved request.

A total of 46,152 absentee ballot applications have already been verified and approved. These voters can see the status of their absentee ballot application and ballot, once ballots are issued beginning Sept. 18, at GoVoteWV.com.

"Our county clerks are carefully verifying each and every absentee ballot request," said Secretary of State Mac Warner. "We are all on the lookout for suspicious activities. Voter fraud, duplicate requests, and those who attempt to cheat will be caught."

Starting Friday, Sept. 18, county clerks will mail absentee ballots to voters whose applications have been verified and approved.

According to Warner, voters have many different options to request an absentee ballot. They can submit their absentee request online at GoVoteWV.com using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Voters can also print the application from the GoVoteWV.com website and mail the application to their county clerk. Or, voters can call, email, or write their county clerk to request an application be mailed to their address.

"It really is that easy. During this difficult time, West Virginia offers an easy, safe, and secure process for every voter who wants to cast their ballot absentee," Warner said.

County clerks have been preparing to offer safe and secure in-person voting for the early voting period and on Election Day. Just as in the Primary Election, robust COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place for voters who prefer to vote in person at their polling location.


September 10, 2020

Warner mailing notices to nearly 34,000 eligible but unregistered West Virginia citizens

Charleston, W.Va. — Since 2002, the United States has recognized September as National Voter Registration Month. In West Virginia, voter registration is easy and quick for eligible citizens.

According to Secretary of State Mac Warner, his office collaborates with information from the Department of Motor Vehicles prior to every Federal Election to identify new West Virginians who appear to be eligible but are not currently registered to vote. Warner said he will mail a postcard to nearly 34,000 West Virginians asking that they consider registering to vote.

"We want citizens to know that they are eligible to be registered to vote for this upcoming election before the registration deadline gets past them," Warner said. "We also want to call their attention to how easy it is now to register to vote in West Virginia."

The WV Secretary of State's Office works with all 55 county clerks to encourage eligible citizens to register to vote and to keep their registration updated. Part of that effort involves notifying West Virginia citizens that they are eligible to register.

Warner said his office and the county clerks have worked together over the past 43 months to register more than 201,000 citizens to vote. Of that total, over 58,000 were high school students who will participate in their very first Presidential Election this November.

Warner said the postcards will encourage citizens receiving them to complete a Voter Registration Form online by going to GoVoteWV.com.

"Registering to vote gives you the opportunity to participate in every election. Being registered to vote gives an eligible citizen the option to cast a ballot in every municipal, county, and state election based on their residency," Warner said.

The last day to register to vote to participate in the November General Election is Oct. 13. For more information on registering to vote, finding your polling place, or how to vote by absentee ballot, go to GoVoteWV.com.


September 8, 2020

Op-Ed Submission

Know your trusted sources when it comes to election information

Due to a 24/7 news cycle and the evolution of social media today, voters are bombarded with election information and political discourse. This, combined with a rapidly changing, unprecedented pandemic, and misinformation at an all-time high, reminds us that we must know our trusted sources and where to verify election information.

The 2020 elections will be historic. In line with recommendations from health experts, many states have made radical changes to their election protocols, including increasing absentee voting options and early voting opportunities. Some states are still in the process of determining these procedures, and such practices may continue to change based on how the pandemic unfolds.

As West Virginia’s Chief Elections Official, my office works diligently to provide all voters with clear and current information about how to participate in the process. The same is true for your local source, too; your county clerk.

As your state and local election officials, we work every day to see that West Virginia voters receive the most accurate and up-to-date information related to elections. We fight against intentionally and inadvertently misleading information about elections, field numerous phone calls to answer questions and provide assistance, respond to social media comments and messages, and work with the media to inform readers and viewers.

The internet provides a perfect forum for inaccurate information to spread like wildfire. In this election alone, my office has seen opinions and political discourse spun into misinformation, which, in turn, disenfranchises voters by causing them to no longer trust the electoral process. Additionally, both Facebook and Twitter have reported shutting down fake accounts used to spread false information and facts about voting. Some of these accounts even impersonate candidates, elected officials, and other credible sources.

While many candidates, organizations, and social media platforms do try to help spread accurate information, voters should always take the time to verify the facts. Know where to look and who to call for accurate information.

www.GoVoteWV.com is your one-stop location for all West Virginia election information. As your trusted source, we have arranged the website to provide answers to your most common election questions. You can also reach my office at 304-558-6000 or by email at elections@wvsos.gov, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

The time to make your plan to participate in the 2020 General Election is now. If you choose to vote absentee due to concerns of COVID-19, your county clerk must receive your application by Oct. 28. If you would like to vote in-person, Early Voting will occur from Oct. 21 to 31, or you may head to the polls on Election Day, Nov. 3. You can find the full list of dates and deadlines, as well as any future updates, at www.GoVoteWV.com.

Even as the tides of this pandemic continue to change, election officials remain your tried and true source for accurate information. Know us, connect with us, and follow us for all of your election needs.

Mac Warner is in his fourth year as WV Secretary of State. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the West Virginia University College of Law.