May 12, 2026, primary election info

Here’s some key information to make sure you’re ready to head to the polls.

To vote in the West Virginia May 12th primary election, voters must register by Tuesday, April 21st, 2026. The Secretary of State’s Online Voter Registration portal allows you to register or update your information from your phone or computer. You may also register in person at the County Clerk’s Office or while you are renewing your license at the DMV. 

It’s always a good idea to check your voter registration status prior to an election via the Secretary of State's website to ensure your information, including your address, is up to date, and check your polling place – it may have changed.

An invitation to Independents & unaffiliated voters

The Republican Party chose to close its primary elections, beginning this year. Registered voters who are independent, have no party affiliation, or are unaffiliated are welcome to cast a ballot in the Democratic primary. The West Virginia Democratic Party is committed to keeping our primary elections open and giving Independent voters a voice at the ballot box during the primary elections. There has been some confusion on this point, so please be sure to share this information widely!

WV Photo Voter ID Requirement

The SAVE Act has not passed at the federal level, but in 2025, the WV Legislature passed HB 3016, which requires photo identification to be shown when voting. This new requirement eliminates all forms of non-photo identification from being used as voter identification (with some exceptions for first-time voters).

The following forms of photo ID are acceptable to use at the polls (from the Secretary of State’s website):

• West Virginia driver’s license or state-issued ID

• Driver’s license from another state

• U.S. passport or passport card

• Employee ID with photo issued by local, state, or federal government

• Student ID with photo from a WV institution of higher education or a WV high school

• U.S. military ID with photo

• Voter registration card with photo issued by a WV county clerk or the WV Secretary of State

• An ID issued by the DMV without a photo for voters who swear and affirm that they belong to recognized religious communities that prohibit them from being photographed

Get Ready for Election Day on May 12th!

• Mark your calendar. Election day is May 12th, 2026. April 29 through May 9 is early voting.

• Encourage your friends and family to vote. Ensuring your voter registration is current and helping others register or update theirs will help turn out more voters at the ballot box, both in May and November.

• Look at your ballot in advance. The WV Secretary of State’s Office has an online portal where you can look up your sample ballot. You’ll need to enter your first and last name, date of birth to view who will be on your precinct’s ballot. This also gives you a great opportunity to research the candidates.

• Absentee Voting: Application deadline is May 6, 2026.

  
  

• Meet the candidates: Join us on Tuesday, April 21, at 5:30 pm at the Clingman Center in Lewisburg to meet many of the candidates running in the primary.

  
  

• Review our Candidate List to learn more about the Democratic and non-partisan candidates in Greenbrier County.

  
  

• Share this info with your family and friends.

If we want a government that will fix our water systems, fund our public schools, and make the cost of living and healthcare affordable, we all need to pitch in, support good candidates, and get out the vote!