| 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.
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| When Are The Polls Open? |
The polls are open from 6:30a.m. to 7:30p.m. in West Virginia. Voters who arrive at their precinct before 7:30p.m., but have not been able to vote, will be given a Waiting Voter Permit.
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| Can I Request 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.
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| Finding Your Polling Place |
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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 to remind yourself of the change. 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.
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| Understanding Voting Systems? |
Different voting systems have different procedures for issuing ballots and handling matters at the polls. If you are uncertain which system your county uses, go to Voting Systems in West Virginia to see how your county votes.
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| Did You Vote a Provisional Ballot On Election Day? |
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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 counted 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 by clicking here or by contacting the Secretary of State’s office, Elections Division, at elections@wvsos.com or 1-866-SOS-VOTE.
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