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West Virginia’s first female Secretary of State, Helen Holt, was presented an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters on Sunday, more than fifty years after she left office.

The grant will improve accessibility at voting locations in Philippi and Belington.

It’s been called the most difficult and most rewarding job a person could ever imagine. And the women of the Secretary of State’s Office certainly know a thing or two about it.

The panel discussion will be part of a one day business symposium hosted by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) that will include 17 Secretaries of State or Lieutenant Governors.

There were 40 new citizens sworn in on April 26, 2013

Two bills that passed are game-changers in the integrity of the election process and how election law violations are investigated, Secretary Tennant said.

Here is a short description of the bills that passed the 2013 regular session.

Senate Bill 477 allows citizens to fill out their voter registration application electronically. The application will still need to be processed and approved by the appropriate county clerk before a voter’s registration card is issued.

Thousands of coal miners, some from surrounding states, rallied at the Charleston Civic Center before marching to Patriot’s Charleston offices in Laidley Tower.

A non-partisan voting rights protection coalition built by Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant is dedicated to making sure there are not unrealistic barriers placed on certain portions of the population with the goal of suppressing voter turnout.

There are about 660,000 registered female voters in West Virginia, compared to about 600,000 registered male voters.

The National Association of Secretaries of State announced the formation of the panel today, which includes Secretary Tennant along with 21 other states and the District of Columbia.

Secretary Tennant said today she will fight any law that suppresses voter turnout, makes it more difficult for people in rural areas of the state to vote, increases the wait time for voters at the polling place on Election Day, or costs a voter money.

The online help chat feature was recently named one of four national finalists for the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Innovation, Dedication, Excellence, and Achievement in Service (IDEAS) Award.

The interactive online chat feature offered on the Business and Licensing Section of the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office website has been named one of four finalists for the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) IDEAS Award.

Surrounded by friends and family, Natalie E. Tennant has taken the oath of office for her second term as West Virginia Secretary of State.

The total number of ballots cast is 685,099. There were 1,246,559 West Virginians registered to vote in the election.

West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said today her office will save about $23,000 this year by notifying via email tens of thousands of business owners about filing their annual report online.

Secretary Tennant was part of a panel with Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant, the state’s chief elections officer, will now send the Certificates of Vote to the Clerk of the United States Senate.

Four recent incidents across West Virginia involving theft of copper and selling it to scrap metal recycling locations highlights the need for citizens to be aware of a new law that requires those dealers to register with the Secretary of State’s Office.

Secretary Tennant took part in a panel discussion entitled “Ensuring Integrity and Access: Voter ID in 2012 and Beyond” with Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted and Michael Pitts, a law professor from Indiana University.

600,000 West Virginians cast their ballot in the General Election. Almost all of them went to the polling place thinking about who would get their vote – not that they may need to say thank you to those who made it possible for them to vote that day.

The holiday season combined with the impact of Hurricane Sandy may make for a perfect storm for fraudulent organizations to take advantage of generous West Virginians.

Former Lincoln County Commissioner Thomas Ramey was sentenced to 21 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

Secretary Tennant announced today that the Libertarian Party has gained ballot access for 2014 and 2016, based on David Moran’s performance in the gubernatorial race.

Secretary Tennant said Tuesday night that an historic effort on the part of election officials, voters, power company crews, emergency responders, and the National Guard made the 2012 General Election a success.

Secretary Tennant detailed precinct changes because of Hurricane Sandy, the comprehensive plan in place to prevent election fraud, and voter verification laws.

This page will be updated daily leading up to the 2012 General Election.

County clerks are still checking the status of all of their precincts and more polling locations could be moved by the time polls open at 6:30AM Tuesday.

Secretary Tennant said Friday that reports of “UN Election Observers” being allowed inside polling places on Election Day are untrue.

While there have been no reports of charity scams in West Virginia following the storm, Secretary Tennant said citizens need to know how to protect themselves.

Secretary Tennant said her thoughts and prayers are with the family of Barbour County House of Delegates candidate John Rose, who was killed Tuesday.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant has announced Early Voting in several West Virginia counties has been suspended for Tuesday, October 30 due to dangerous conditions caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said Early Voting continues across West Virginia as Hurricane Sandy threatens the northeast with high winds, rain, and snow in higher elevations.

The Governor's State of Emergency has raised some questions about early voting.

Early Voting for the 2012 General Election begins Wednesday at county courthouses and courthouse annexes across West Virginia and will continue until 5:00 PM on November 3.

In most cases, voters won’t need to bring anything with them. Stating their name and address, and signing their name in the poll book are how their identity is verified.

Voter registration applications must be received by the county clerk or Secretary of State’s Office or postmarked by October 16.

The percentage of West Virginia businesses filing their annual reports online has been increasing every year since 2009, and this year more than half of all businesses will file their reports online.

The investigators were looking in to the absentee voting scheme orchestrated by former Lincoln County Clerk Donald Whitten and former Lincoln County Sheriff Jerry Bowman, who were both recently sentenced to federal prison.

According to state law, the absentee ballots can be sent out 46 days ahead of a general election. West Virginia law is more strict in this regard than federal law, which requires ballots be sent out 45 days ahead of the general election.

The $24,193.89 grant, which is financed by the VOTE funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will fully fund the project.

West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant says members of our military are defending our sacred right to vote, and it is up to her office to make sure these voters have easy access to the General Election ballot this fall.

Two former Lincoln County officials were sentenced today on federal charges related to an absentee voting scheme during the 2010 Primary Election.

Tennant: "Violations of our election law will not be tolerated. Those are more than words – it’s been proved by the actions of my office while I have been the chief elections officer of West Virginia."

Who is going to be on the ballot in the 2012 General Election? Click here to find out!

Dozens of election officials from around the state were in Flatwoods for intensive training on the Statewide Voter Registration System.

The State Fair wraps up on August 18, 2012.

Former Lincoln County Commissioner Thomas Ramey pleaded guilty today to one count of lying to a federal officer as part of a joint state-federal investigation into election law violations dating back to the 2010 Primary.

Secretary Tennant named to two national committees.

The materials include a UOCAVA audio guided and a self-paced training that provides an introduction to the UOCAVA absentee voting process.

The latest charges accuse Lincoln County Commissioner Thomas Ramey with lying to federal investigators in connection with an ongoing joint state-federal investigation into the absentee voting process in Lincoln County during the 2010 primary.

The All-Star states include: Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said that 43,678 annual reports were filed online during the 2012 filing period, which ran from January to June.

The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office is hosting six regional election meetings over the next few weeks, meaning election officials can meet face to face to discuss issues that may arise the next time people cast a ballot.

During summer months school children lose academic skills and without school breakfast and lunch, many children lose nutritional well-being as well.

State code requires corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, voluntary associations, and business trusts to file an annual report with the Secretary of State’s Office.

Several bills passed in the 2012 Legislative Session will go into effect in the next several weeks, ranging from the monitoring of scrap metal dealers to those wishing to run as write-in candidates.

Voters in dozens of municipalities in West Virginia will go to the polls once again this month, this time to choose the leaders of their town or city.

According to the Nicholas County website, in 2004 Wanda Hendrickson became the first woman to be elected Nicholas County Clerk.

Military voters from West Virginia have many options to make sure they exercise one of the most sacred American rights: the right to vote.

The error occurred on the Republican primary ballot, instructing voters to vote for no more than 18 for at-large delegate to the Republican National Convention even though 19 were to be elected.

The provisional ballot search utilizes data entered by all 55 West Virginia counties into the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS), which is maintained by the Secretary of State’s Office.

If no candidates request a recount, the results become “official” 48 hours after the final county completed their canvass.

What procedure do counties go through to canvass election results? How long does a candidate have to request a recount? Find out here!

Secretary Tennant held the press conference on May 11, 2012 at the State Capitol.

James Metheny was found guilty on May 11, 2012.

Click here to see more county by county unofficial election results.

Please note that these numbers are not election results - they reflect only the number of early votes cast and absentee ballots returned to county clerks.

Early voting takes place at either the county courthouse or courthouse annex during regular business hours.

The registration form recyclers must file will be available from the Secretary of State’s Office by June 1. There is no additional fee for a recycling center to file this registration.

George W. Sharp and his twin brother, Summers, were born on June 20, 1880 – West Virginia’s 17th birthday. The day also happened to be their mother’s birthday.

West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant offered her condolences to the family of Wayne County Clerk Jim Booten after he passed away following a battle with cancer.

The Secretary of State's Office administers federal Help America Vote Act funds to make it easier for disabled voters to make it to the polls.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant presented Monroe County Commissioner Clyde Gum, Jr. a Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant for $7,600 today at the State Capitol.

The supplemental instructions will affect the voting for at-large delegates to the Republican National Convention only.

The award is named for Mrs. Lenna Lowe Yost, a pioneer in the women's suffrage movement and a key figure in the history of the Republican Party in West Virgniia.

The free training will be held on Wednesday, March 28 at 9:00AM. Another session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10 at 9:30.

Friday, March 23 is the deadline for county clerks to send previously requested absentee ballots to military and overseas voters, West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said today.

The bills make it easier for returning military and their families to register to vote before an election, and make it easier for victims of domestic violence cast an absentee ballot.

To download, go to Amazon.com and enter “West Virginia and Federal Election Laws 2011.” The Kindle edition of the codebook costs less than a dollar, is searchable, and readers can leave bookmarks at important locations.

Jerry Bowman and Donald Whitten submitted guilty pleas in U.S. District Court on March 7, 2012.

The West Virginia Board of Public Works moved last week to purchase 13 parcels of land in downtown Fairmont and build a new four-story structure to house state offices.

Kanawha County Circuit Judge Louis Duke Bloom ruled today that Commissioner of Agriculture candidate Walter Helmick can stay on the ballot in 2012.

Neither the Secretary of State investigator nor the FBI agent were injured.

West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said Wednesday that she will amend the 2012 list of certified candidates, and remove Frank Deem as a candidate for State Senate.

The petition was filed in the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals on February 24, 2012.

Whenever a change is made to an online business record, an alert will be sent to the email address on record for that business.

Senate Bill 400 and House Bill 4257 would allow soldiers returning from deployment to register to vote in the 20 days before an election. However, there is no requirement in the bill for “same day” voter registration.

Secretary Tennant spoke Monday at a public hearing for a bill that would require voters to present photo identification.

The Secretary of State's Office filed the response on February 21, 2012.

Secretary Tennant appeared on the PBS NewsHour February 16 to discuss internet voting with correspondent Miles O'Brien.

Senator Donna Boley filed a petition seeking clarification on candidate eligibility.

From January 1 to February 9 of this year 10,245 annual reports have been filed online using the business portal www.business4wv.com. During the same time period last year, 6,198 annual reports were filed online.

Lincoln County Clerk Donald Witten and Lincoln County Sheriff Jerry Bowman entered plea agreements to federal charges resulting from a 20 month investigation conducted by the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, the FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office.

David Nichols, the Elections Manager in Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant’s Office, was elected to the National Association of State Elections Directors (NASED) Executive Committee during their annual conference this week in Washington, D.C.

Cell phone users worldwide are expected to send more than 8 trillion text messages in 2012, and some of those will be coming from West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant’s Office.

On the first day of the filing period this year, nearly 1,500 annual reports were filed online using the website www.business4wv.com. That’s an increase of almost 200 over the first day of filing in 2011.

The Secretary of State’s Office will provide a free live video stream every day of the filing period, including up to the midnight deadline on January 28.

Secretary Tennant said the prompt decision is a great benefit to potential candidates, to local election officials, and the Secretary of State’s Office.

A business owner can now be connected to a one-on-one online help chat session with a business and licensing specialist in Charleston.

West Virginia scored 45.4 out of a possible high score of 50. The Pew Center evaluated the elections websites of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Open Source Intelligence Exchange at Fairmont State University isn’t located in a top secret bunker, but that doesn’t mean the work being done by students here isn’t top secret.

Tennant urges people to remember some simple tips to make sure a scammer doesn’t take advantage of their holiday spirit and charitable giving.

The grant will be used to update polling places to allow easier access for voters with disabilities.

West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said today the Secretary of State's Office will follow the law that was passed by the Legislature and deemed constitutional by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

When West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant delivered the certificates of special gubernatorial election results to the Legislature today, an unprecedented period of time came to an end.

Governor Tomblin took the oath as West Virginia's 35th Governor on November 13, 2011.

Secretary Tennant honored veterans at the Summers County Middle School Veterans Day Observation on November 8, 2011.

The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office has filed its response to lawsuits filed in relation to the redistricting plan passed by the State Legislature earlier this year.

Secretary Tennant will present the certificates to a joint session of the Legislature on November 13 at noon. Governor-elect Earl Ray Tomblin has said he will take the oath of office as West Virginia’s 35th Governor at 3:00 in the afternoon on that day.

Monday, October 31 is the deadline for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, voluntary associations and business trusts to file their annual reports and pay the annual filing fee.

The grant money will pay for a new oil cooler on the court house’s elevator. During the peak days of early voting, hundreds of people use the elevator to access the early voting location.

West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant and Business and Licensing Division Manager Penney Barker are part of a national panel meeting in Atlanta to fight back against a new type of crime: business identity theft.

County Commissions met as Boards of Canvassers beginning on October 11, with the final county declaring their results at 3:05 PM on October 12.

The staff of the Secretary of State’s Office began taking calls at 5:00 AM on Election Day and more than two dozen liaisons assisted election officials around the state until after 11:00 PM.

The Secretary of State’s Office has received several reports of voters receiving phone calls with various types of official sounding information, such as a precinct that has moved or a precinct that is closed.

304,145 people voted in the special election for governor, for a total voter turnout of 25 percent.

These figures represent the total number of ballots cast during the early voting period and absentee ballots returned to county clerks. These figures ARE NOT election results.

Tennant said her office will have liaisons spread across the state working closely with election workers. They will be able to answer questions from election workers and will also enable fast communication with the Secretary of State’s Office.

Secretary Tennant said she is shocked that the Board of Examiners of Psychologists, after having proposed this emergency rule, will not discuss the rule with either the media or the parents of the children who will be affected by this rule.

Secretary Tennant presented the Special Olympics West Virginia a proclamation marking the occasion.

Voters can cast their ballot during the early voting period at their county courthouse or courthouse annex during regular business hours. The final day of early voting is Saturday, October 1, 2011.

It’s the latest in Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant’s effort to make the election process more transparent and government more engaging.

Secretary Tennant honored Lisa Blake, Mima Morrow, and Penney Barker for the service in the Secretary of State's Office.

Citizens can pick up a voter registration application at the Secretary of State’s Office or at other state agency offices like the Division of Motor Vehicles. The application can also be downloaded from the SOS website, filled out, and mailed in.

Transparency and accountability have always been a part of the Secretary of State’s Office.

About 7,000 notices were sent to corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, voluntary associations, and business trusts across the state on Tuesday.

Voter registration radio advertisements began running this week during the weekly radio shows of Marshall Coach Doc Holliday and WVU Coach Dana Holgorsen. The spots will also air during the pregame and postgame shows on both team’s network.

The vacancy was created when former Governor Joe Manchin created won election to the United States Senate.

Under state code, Tennant could have taken up to 42 days to approve or deny the filing. But she approved the ruling in less than a week, saying there could be no delay in responsibly developing the industry.

The federal facilities were observing Women’s Equality Day. On August 18, 1920 the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, which prohibits any American citizen to be denied the right to vote based on sex.

Secretary Tennant said this community shows what can happen when bold entrepreneurs and strong municipal leadership work together.

Only certified write-in candidates that have completed the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State’s Office can receive votes during the special election. The deadline to file that paperwork was Tuesday, August 23.

The Legislature agreed to the changes on August 21, 2011.

Time frame ensures the ballot reaches the voter, that the voter has time to mark his or her ballot, and that the ballot has the opportunity to make it back to the county clerk’s office in time to be counted.

Secretary Tennant, the state’s chief elections officer, told a group of military members and their families that it is her duty to make sure they have the opportunity to cast their ballot, no matter where in the world their duty takes them.

The zero interest loan, which must be repaid within five years, will be used to purchase new optical scan voting machines.

Secretary of State Natalie Tennant named to Standing Committee on Elections.

Administrative Law Division Manager Judy Cooper explains how it works, and why it is done.

West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant is asking Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to add the subject of the Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Pilot Program to the special session, set to begin next week.

The forum, focusing on Military Voting Rights, also featured Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman and Seminole County (Fla.) Elections Supervisor Mike Ertel.

Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman Sworn in as NASS President, Names New Executive Board

Helen Holt served as Secretary of State from 1957-59, Hike Heiskell from 1973-75, and Ken Hechler from 1985-2001.

This is the place for all media information on the 2011 NASS Summer Conference at Glade Springs.

From the presidential nominating calendar to new state laws for voting and the future of voting systems, Secretaries of State will focus on 2012 election preparations at their annual summer conference July 10-13 at Glade Springs Resort in Daniels, WV.

The Secretary of State's Office has many duties, from elections administration to registering athletic agents.

One of those people is Joanie Hessler from Hurricane. Joanie hand-made each visiting Secretary a wood turned pen with the conference’s “Almost Heaven 2011” logo on the side.

Since his death, West Virginia voters have been to the ballot box three times – once in a special U.S. Senate primary, once in the 2010 general election, and once for a special gubernatorial primary election.

Redistricting takes place after each United States census, which occur every ten years. Redrawing district lines will determine from where in the state congressional representatives, State Senators, and members of the House of Delegates are elected.

Several municipalities in West Virginia have already held their elections, but voters in more than 100 towns and cities across the state will go to the polls on Tuesday, June 14.

To assist last minute filers, the Secretary of State’s Office Business and Licensing Division will also be open until 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 30, 2011.

The State Election Commission webcast their meeting live on the Secretary of State's website on June 1, 2011.

The special gubernatorial election was held May 14, 2011.

That number includes the more than 43,600 who voted during the 11-day early voting period which ended Wednesday. There are about 1,216,000 registered voters in West Virginia.

These numbers are only the total number of ballots cast to this point. These numbers ARE NOT election results.

West Virginians will go to the polls in a special gubernatorial primary on Saturday, May 14 – but more than 40,000 people have already cast their ballot during the early voting period, which ended Wednesday.

You as a voter have certain rights.

The ladies of the Secretary of State’s Office have a combined 1,303 years of motherhood among them. If you do the math, that’s like becoming a mom in the year 708.

There will be about 650,582 eligible Democrat voters; about 350,618 eligible Republican voters; and about 214,954 eligible voters registered with no party affiliation or as a member of another political party.

3,648 ballots were cast in the first ever Vote By Mail election in West Virginia. During the 2009 city election, just 1,467 of the more than 16,000 registered voters went to precincts to cast a ballot. In 2007 voter turnout was even lower.

Early voting begins at county courthouses or courthouse annexes on Friday, April 29. The early voting period will continue every weekday until May 11, with early voting also being offered from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, April 30 and Saturday, May 7.

The NASS Business Identity Theft Task Force is a major association initiative that will target business identity theft prevention strategies and develop practical, cost-effective tools and guidance for states.

The Organ Donor Memorial Service at Thomas Memorial Hospital was held on April 14, 2011.

Morgantown voters have until April 26 to return their voted ballot back to the city clerk's office.

On April 5, 2010 29 miners were killed in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine.

The focus of the event will be helping business owners file necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State’s Office. There are currently more than 3,400 organizations in Raleigh and the surrounding counties that have yet to file their annual report.

The ballots must be sent out several weeks in advance for several reasons: to ensure the ballot gets to the voter, that the voter has time to mark his or her ballot, and that the ballot can be returned in time to be counted.

The seminar was held March 21-22 in Lewis County.

The two-day elections seminar takes on added importance this year, because of the special gubernatorial elections set for May and October. Normally 2011 would have been a year of mostly municipal elections, and not a special gubernatorial election.

While charity fraud following a natural disaster isn’t common in West Virginia, it has occurred. Following Hurricane Katrina, the Secretary of State’s Office investigated and shut down a fraudulent charity in the eastern panhandle.

Fayette County Clerk Kelvin Holliday said that’s a state and national record.

This year Secretary Tennant read “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket,” which was first published in 1974.

He was born February 1, 1901 in Missouri – but moved to a small farm in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle with his wife, Audrey. She passed away in 1999 after 53 years of marriage.

Engineers build our highways and bridges while social workers build our communities and citizens. Both have the know-how to turn an idea into reality.

Morgantown's registered voters can expect their ballot in the mail beginning April 8.

Tennant testified before the Committee on House Administration along with elections officials from Indiana and Florida, the Department of Justice, the Alliance for Military and Overseas Voting Rights, and the Military Voter Protection Project.

Tennant will deliver testimony about the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act and its effectiveness in the 2010 elections.

Two Democratic county clerks and two Republican county clerks drew numbered balls out of a hopper. Candidates were assigned a ball number based on the order in which their candidacy paperwork was received by the Secretary of State.

Candidates can file with Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant’s office from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM through February 12, 2011. The filing and fee must be received by 5:00 PM on February 12.

Bethany, Harrisville, Paw Paw, Ridgeley, Thurmond, and West Hamlin will all be part of a pilot program that passed the state legislature in 2009.

Tennant delivered her remarks to the Senate Committee on January 31 and to the House Committee on February 1.

Senate Bill 261 calls for a gubernatorial primary on June 20, 2011.

Tennant appeared on "The Legislature Today" with Beth Vorhees on January 24.

The Supreme Court ruled last week that, according to the state constitution, an election for governor must be held in 2011.

The report was presented to the West Virginia Legislature on January 19, 2011.

The Supreme Court ruled that there should be an election for governor in 2011.

Business owners who need to obtain either a Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Authorization can now do so through the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office website at www.wvsos.com.

The Secretary of State’s Office, which has often broken new ground with technology since Tennant came into office in 2009, will host the webcast from the Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurship Forum live on their website at www.wvsos.com.

The Secretary of State’s Office would like to encourage business owners to take advantage of filing their company’s report through “Business for WV” (www.business4wv.com). Online filing may be mandatory next year.

Several new laws go into effect on the first day of the new year.

Tennant said Monday the brief showed that her office does not have the authority to call a special election.

Business and Licensing staff can help business owners who need to file last minute paperwork.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant’s Office trimmed more than $36,000 from the final cost of the special United States Senate primary held in August, after reviewing and approving reimbursement reports from all 55 counties.

2010 turned out to be more eventful, interesting, and historic than anyone could have imagined. Here are the most memorable moments of 2010 ... sit back and enjoy!

Secretary Tennant and Elections Division Manager David Nichols appeared on WAJR-AM in Morgantown along with city officials to discuss the plan, set to take effect for the city’s upcoming election in April.

With Christmas near, many West Virginians will be looking to donate to a worthwhile charity. Secretary Tennant wants citizens to be aware that there may be some that only want to steal your money – not help those in need.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant met face-to-face with about 45 fourth grade students in Vienna today – while they sat in the school’s library and Tennant sat in her State Capitol office.

The Supreme Court Public Financing Pilot Project would provide funding to participating candidates in 2012.

Secretary Tennant and Governor - now Senator - Manchin signed the certificate proclaiming that Joe Manchin III was elected a member of the United States Senate.

Tennant said she wanted counties to have their canvasses completed by Tuesday so the state could certify the election Friday – meaning Senator-elect Joe Manchin could be sworn in as early as November 15 to gain seniority in the US Senate.

Secretary Tennant personally supervised the statewide effort. She is encouraging counties to complete the canvassing process quickly because the sooner the results are canvassed and certified the sooner Senator-Elect Manchin can be seated in Washington.

State Senate President says Sen.-Elect Manchin could take US Senate seat as early as November 15, 2010.

Preliminary reports from the Secretary of State’s Office say about 535,152 people cast a ballot out of the state’s 1,216,023 registered voters.

Secretary Tennant said her office will have representatives in counties across West Virginia on Election Day – the same comprehensive plan that was used during the May primary and the August special primary.

The Secretary of State’s Office has received several reports of voters receiving phone calls with various types of official sounding information, such as a precinct that has moved or a precinct that is closed.

These figures represent only the number of ballots cast during the early voting period and absentee ballots returned to county clerks - these are NOT election results.

Secretary Tennant presented the check to Wood County Commissioners, County Clerk Jamie Six, and members of the Rosemar United Methodist Church congregation.

Businesses in West Virginia have until October 31 to file their annual reports with the Secretary of State’s Office – or face the possibility that their business license will be revoked.

The training offered by this office and county clerks is the only required training poll workers need to attend. Other groups are offering what has been described as poll worker training to detect voter fraud.

Secretary Tennant laid out all of the duties of the Secretary of State's Office and showed how her office is helping business owners, candidates, voters, notaries, and others.

The subcommittee heard from Ray Ratliff, Senate Counsel; Brian Skinner, House of Delegates Counsel; and Bob Bastress, WVU law professor.

West Virginia Elections Specialist Jackie Harris spent 13 days in war-torn Afghanistan, observing the elections for the lower house of parliament.

Secretary of State will have a very busy few days in the Eastern Panhandle.

Secretary Tennant said she relied on legal precedent and case law when deciding on the single ballot design.

Brief filed with Kanawha County Circuit Court on September 23, 2010.

Secretary of State says modernization will save time and money for the state and counties.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said today the so-called ballot “compromise” offered by GOP State Chairman Mike Stuart violates both state and federal law.

Secretary Tennant outlined the vital role of the executive branch of state government.

Secretary Tennant recounted her grandparent's journey from Italy, and urged all the new citizens to register to vote.

Secretary of State said the lawsuit filed by the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee will also disenfranchise military and overseas voters.

The United States Constitution and the rights it guarantees citizens will be the focus of events from Mannington to Bluefield on September 17.

Jackie Harris is traveling with an international delegation from Democracy International (DI) to Kabul on September 10 to observe elections for the Wolesi Jirga, the lower house of the Afghan Parliament.

The award, in the State Division for the Best Professional Practices, was presented by the Election Center.

From the Fifties to the Eighties, it was not uncommon to have voter turnout well over 70 percent.

Secretary Tennant will also participate in Opening Ceremonies on Friday, the grand feature parade on Saturday and the outdoor Mass on Sunday.

Secretary Tennant had an inspiring message for the young ladies of Glenwood Elementary on Charleston's West Side.

Overall turnout for the special primary was about 12 percent.

According to the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) maintained by county clerks and the Secretary of State, about 30,579 people cast a ballot during the five-day early voting period.

More than 5,000 people cast a ballot Friday on the first day of early voting in the special US Senate election – almost three times the number that voted on the first day of early voting in the May primary.

There are 14 candidates – 10 Democrats, three Republicans, and one Mountain Party – on the primary ballot.

A recent decision by Raleigh County Circuit Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick said parts of the code were “ambiguous,” resulting in more than 300 contested absentee ballots being thrown out in the Lincoln County primary election.

At the Secretary of State’s booth, there is a life-size seal display featuring every detail of the Great Seal, down to the red cap of liberty that sits across two muskets.

From June 28 to August 9 a total of 5,808 people registered to vote, according to the Secretary of State’s Statewide Voter Registration System.

Special election timeline, cost to counties discussed during joint gathering at the State Capitol

In addition to making West Virginians aware of the upcoming midterm elections in 2010, Secretary Tennant also regularly encouraged people to fill out their census forms.

Tennant, a member of the 2009 class of the Aspen Institute's Rodel Fellowship, visited India - a nation of 814 million voters. The trip is paid for by the Aspen Institute and not state taxpayer money, Tennant said.

Secretary Tennant was joined by county clerks from both the Democrat and Republican parties.

The primary election will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2010. The deadline to register to vote or to update an existing voter registration prior to this election is Monday, August 9th.

The special primary election to fill the unexpired term left following the death of Senator Robert C. Byrd is set for Saturday, August 28, 2010.

The Special Session will focus on the succession process for filling the vacancy in the United States Senate following the death of Senator Robert C. Byrd. The longest serving member of Congress died June 28 at the age of 92.

Secretary of State stands by her original interpretation of state code.

Tennant said Uniformed Services and Overseas Voter Week is designed to raise awareness among military and overseas voters so they can start the process of registering to vote and requesting an absentee ballot.

Tennant supports a special election to fill Senator Byrd's seat to take place in November, but without legislative initiative or a new court challenge to the existing law, she is legally obligated to the decision she has conveyed to the Governor.

The longest serving member of Congress died at the age of 92.

Business owners were able to file their annual reports at the ‘SOS On The Road’ mobile office, with the help of staff from the Business and Licensing Division and Outreach Staff from the Secretary of State’s Office.

The proposed legislative rule impacts voters and candidates who run, or who explore the possibility of running, for the two State Supreme Court seats that will be contested in 2012.

West Virginia Celebrates Its 147th Birthday On June 20!

The ‘On The Road’ mobile office will be set up at the Marion County Courthouse in Fairmont on Thursday, June 17 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

House Bill 4130 passed during the 2010 legislative session and went into effect 90 days after the session ended – June 11.

House Bill 4248 passed during the 2010 Legislative Session. The laws go into effect June 11. Charitable organizations will not have to file any additional paperwork with the Secretary of State’s Office.

Boys and Girls State bring students from around the state together and helps them learn more about how government works while promoting the importance of civic responsibility and volunteerism.

Military and overseas voters from five counties in West Virginia – Jackson, Kanawha, Marshall, Monongalia, and Wood – were able to request and cast a ballot using a secure internet connection.

Annual reports and the $25 filing fee must be received by the Secretary of State’s Office by 5:00 PM on June 30 to avoid being assessed a late fee of $100 in addition to the $25 filing fee.

Secretary Tennant (Mountaineer Mascot 1990-91), former Mountaineer Mascot Rebecca Durst (2009-10), and current Mountaineer Brock Burwell spoke at the annual event in Kingwood.

The award is named after Senator Jennings Randolph, who was instrumental in passing legislation allowing 18-year-olds the right to vote.

Tennant was a guest on the Auditor's show on May 25, 2010.

The online article says voters here “made a bit of voting history in the recent West Virginia primary.”

IRS 990 forms include a nonprofit organization’s financial information such as assets, donations, and liabilities. These forms and instructions on how to fill them out can be found at www.IRS.gov.

About 166,000 people in West Virginia cast ballots in the midterm primary election, including the more than 40,000 people who took advantage of early voting.

Voters in Jackson and Monroe Counties can vote at a secure location away from the county courhouse.

All told 40,493 people voted early in West Virginia.

All information submitted is confidential.

The webcast contained information about voting systems used in West Virginia, as well as the Secretary of State’s plan for assisting county clerks on Election Day and a personal message from Secretary Tennant to voters and poll workers.

President Obama, Governor Manchin, and Senator Rockefeller memorialized the lost miners Sunday.

Secretary Tennant discussed the start of early voting and secure satellite precincts on WSAZ-TV Charleston.

State officials, along with leaders from Glenville State College and students from Parkersburg, planted 29 trees today in remembrance of the lost Upper Big Branch Coal Miners and in observance of Earth Day.

During the 2002 midterm primary election about 14,000 people voted early and in the 2006 midterm primary election about 25,000 people voted early.

Tennant also thanked the Boy Scouts for being active and caring about their communities, and urged them to continue their dedication to civic service.

Students in Barry Harrison’s State and Local Government class at WVU Tech asked Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant some tough questions this week.

In the wake of the mine explosion in Whitesville, Secretary Tennant is urging people to watch out for charity scammers who take advantage of generosity.

The students at Williamson Middle learned the important first steps to take in an emergency, and how to perform CPR.

Secretary Tennant discusses WVU's inspiring run in the NCAA Tournament with WOWK-TV.

Renee Montgomery filmed a public service announcement Monday morning with Secretary of State Natalie Tennant stressing the importance of not only registering, but going to the polls on Election Day.

This is the first time West Virginia has beaten Kentucky in basketball since 1959.

Tennant is in Munich, Germany for the 2010 Overseas Vote Foundation UOCAVA summit.

Voting officials from around the world will discuss UOCAVA (the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) and other election reforms.

The Secretary of State's Office requested several bills that passed on the final day.

The five videos focus on using paper ballots, iVotronic, Automark, Automark and M100, and Optical Scan.

Through an interpreter, the group was able to discuss the differences between Georgian election law and American election law.

An online voting pilot project will be implemented in Jackson, Kanawha, Marshall, Monongalia, and Wood Counties.

In-person early voting begins April 21 and runs through May 8.

The sound of the musket fire echoed around the Capitol Complex. Capitol Police first had to give the go-ahead.

The new veterans memorial cemetery in Institute will be named after Navy Cross recipient Donel Kinnard.

About 470 candidates filed to run for offices such as House of Delegates, State Senate, and Republican and Democratic State Executive Committee.

The Marshall University Mascot visited Secretary Tennant, who served as the first female Mountaineer in 1990.

The event urges women "to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke."

The Secretary of State’s Office would like to encourage business owners to take advantage of filing their company’s report through the State’s online portal “Business for WV” (www.business4wv.com).

The live webcast began at noon on the final day of filing and ended at midnight, when candidacy papers had to be postmarked.

Candidate filings must be postmarked by midnight on January 30.

The opinion was issued January 21, 2010.

Secretary Tennant appeared on "The Legislature Today" with Beth Vorhees.

You can see who files during the last day on a live webcast on the Secretary of State's website.

Tennant says funding will go toward technology improvements that will make state government more open and engaging.

Tennant is the first West Virginian invited to join Rodel Fellowship.

Economy, education, safety of children the focus of Manchin's speech. The entire speech is available by clicking the above link.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant turned her conference room into an area dedicated to helping candidates fill out the necessary forms.

Candidates seeking office in 2010 can file their paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office or their county clerk.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant is proud to announce the addition of Jackie Harris to the staff of the Elections Division.

The Secretary of State’s Office has implemented a cost-saving measure to notify notaries, charities, and fundraisers that their registrations are about to expire.

Not only is this system secure but it ensures the privacy of the voter and their vote.

This is to accommodate anyone who needs to conduct end of year business before the December 31st deadline.

Tennant is concerned that with more people relying on charitable organizations and more people looking to help their neighbors in need, a fraudulent charity could try to run a scam.

A pilot program is being tested that will allow not only members of the military, but other citizens living overseas, the opportunity to vote online.

Byrd, who was elected to the US House of Representatives in 1952, and then to the US Senate in 1958, has served West Virginia for 56 years, 320 days.

The memorial had been closed for more than a year to repair damage that occurred in 2007, and to add more than 1,430 names that had been left off and correct names that had been misspelled.

Kyle Hickernell, a summer intern with the Secretary of State’s Office, was presented the West Virginia Information Technology Intern of the Year Award Thursday in Charleston.

Saturday is a day of recognition and appreciation for the more than 45,000 notaries public in West Virginia and the more than 4.8 million nationwide.

To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, a voter must cast a ballot in every general election they are eligible to vote in for the past 50 years.

Each winner has a similar experience with overcoming disability to lead a more fulfilling life.

Tennant spoke at the Third Annual Energy Industry Appreciation Ceremony Tuesday in Flatwoods.

Tennant joined in a panel discussion on how to best use social media and technology to reach the people of West Virginia.

Times have changed, but using technology to help the Secretary of State’s office run more efficiently has not.

Tennant spoke with more than 50 students and faculty at the WVU Mountainlair.

New site makes it quicker and easier for voters, candidates, business owners, and state agencies to find vital information.

As required by WV Code, any corporation, LLC, PLLC, voluntary association or limited partnership that is authorized to do business in West Virginia must file an annual report each year with the Secretary of State.

Important issues discussed with county clerks and county commissioners, who came from across West Virginia.

The Commission is reviewing how Supreme Court races are financed in West Virginia

Holiday to recognize miner's contributions to the Mountain State’s economy, heritage, and future.

More than 100 town and city leaders from around the state got an in depth explanation of the proposed Early Vote By Mail Pilot Program Wednesday at the 40th Annual Conference of the West Virginia Municipal League.

Changes include clarification of how poll workers are chosen, how long a satellite plan is in place for an election cycle, adding public notice requirements, and removing a restriction to keep a satellite precinct open for the entire early voting period.

More than 25 pounds of items are being sent to two US Army soldiers stationed in Afghanistan.

The new NASS president, Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R-Kentucky), appointed Tennant to the co-chair position along with Secretary of State Ken Bennett (R-Arizona).

The legislation to allow municipalities to participate in the Vote By Mail Pilot Program passed during the 2009 Legislative Session (HB 3134).

One special guest scheduled to attend on August 31 is Minnesota Elections Manager Gary Poser.

Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant discussed the proposed rules for the recently passed Satellite Precinct Bill (House Bill 2464) with members of the Kanawha County Commission Thursday in Charleston.

Voters in more than 130 towns and cities across West Virginia will head to the polls June 9 to choose the men and women who will serve as their municipal leaders.

As of June 5, the Secretary of State’s office had received 9.358 online annual report filings through the website www.business4wv.com. This is an increase of more than 2,000 from this time last year.

House Bill 2567 is expected to save the Secretary of State’s office and state agencies more than $100,000 a year in paper and work hours.

Operation False Charity includes the Federal Trade Commission, secretaries of state, attorneys general, and local law enforcement.

Secretary Tennant says state government doesn't have to be dry and boring.

Tennant and Capehart discussed election law, office duties, and upcoming events.

The committee also heard how other states handle the question of gubernatorial succession.

The committee also heard how other states answer this question.

The Acting Governor delivered the address on January 12, 2011 at the Capitol.

Important information for television news producers, including directions on how to download VNR's from the Secretary of State's Office.

Secretary Tennant delivered her budget presentation to the Senate Finance Committee on February 18 and the House Finance Committee on February 21.

The County Clerk said getting experience with the electronic voting machines can encourage youth to become lifelong voters.