West Virginians will go to the polls on May 12 to pick party nominees for federal jobs like U.S. senator and U.S. representative all the way down to state legislative seats and county commissioners. Plus, there are a number of nonpartisan races on the ballots — positions like school board and many city council seats — that will be decided by this election.
Voting in Wetzel County
In Wetzel County, like around West Virginia, early voting starts on April 29.
You can vote in-person early from April 29 through May 9. Here’s a list of all of the early voting locations and hours around the state, but to find out more specifics about Wetzel County, call the county clerk at 304-455-8224.
Voting by mail is only available for West Virginians who are unable to vote in person for reasons like illness, incarceration, work schedule and travel. Here’s more information about voting absentee.
New this year: voters will be required to show a photo ID when they go to the polls. County clerks and the secretary of state can also issue voter ID cards that meet these requirements.
On Primary Election Day, May 12, polls in Wetzel County will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place by entering your information here.
Wetzel County levy
Public school levy
Wetzel County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax of 22.95 to 91.80 cents for every $100 of assessed property to fund teacher salaries, benefits, facility maintenance and improvement, and technology (in addition to some other programs) for Wetzel County Public Schools. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
Special election to authorize additional levies (the “Excess Levy”) for the fiscal years beginning July l, 2028, July 1, 2029, July 1, 2030, July 1, 2031, and July 1, 2032, in the approximate average amount of $25,841,000 annually, for the purpose of the payment of the general current expenses of The Board of Education of the County of Wetzel (the “Board”), including for the purposes hereinafter set forth; all according to the Order of the Board entered on the 10th day of February, 2026, and as more particularly described below.
The purposes for which additional funds are needed during the term of this five~year levy,and the approximate average annual amount for such purposes after due allowances for discounts, delinquencies, exonerations,uncollected taxes and shrinkage, subject to variation from year to year, are as follows:
a. Instructional Materials, including, without limitation, funding to provide textbooks, workbooks, computer software, library materials and other instructional materials, supplies and equipment for all students enrolled in Wetzel County Schools in the annual approximate amount of $900,000.
b. Technology Access, including, without limitation, funding to provide access to technology through the purchase or lease of hardware, software, infrastructure, repair and/or training, including funding to provide a laptop or tablet to every pre~K to 12 student of Wetzel County Schools in the annual approximate amount of $1,100,000.
c. Capital Improvements and Facilities, including, without limitation, funding for capital improvements, renovations and repairs, and maintenance of facilities, including improvements, renovations, and repairs that will enhance the physical safety and security of students and employees of the Wetzel County School District in the annual approximate amount of $6,000,000.
d. Employee Salary and Benefits, including funding for the following:
- 1. Local county salary supplements, unfunded positions, substitute costs and/or fixed charges in the annual approximate amount of $13,625,717.
- 2. Extra duty wages for the purpose of providing for academic and athletic trips in the annual approximate amount of $180,000.
- 3. Extra duty salary supplements for curricular positions (approximately $60,000) and athletic positions (approximately $300,000) in the annual approximate amount of $360,000.
- 4. To employ needed unfunded and mandated positions in the annual approximate amount of $100,000.
- 5. To provide dental and optical insurance for all permanent employees in the annual approximate amount of $370,000.
- 6. To provide an annual salary supplement for all permanent employees in the annual approximate amount of $950,000.
e. Duplicating Equipment and Supplies, including, without limitation, funding to maintain duplicating equipment and provide supplies for them for Wetzel County Schools in the annual approximate amount of $100,000.
f. Student Support Services, including, without limitation, funding to provide necessary added services such as speech therapy, psychological services, occupational therapy, physical therapy and/or athletic training in the annual approximate amount of $400,000.
g. Public Library Support, including funding to provide fiscal support to the four Public Libraries in Wetzel County (approximately $15,000,annually, per each library) in the annual approximate amount of $60,000.
h. School Bus Fleet Modernization, including funding to supplement the purchase of one additional school bus per year in the annual approximate amount of $125,000.
i. School Resource Officer, including funding to place a school resource officer at each attendance area and to provide safety and security measures at each school in the annual approximate amount of $500,000.
j. Student Nutrition Support, including, without limitation, funding to supplement the child nutrition budget supporting free breakfast, hot lunch and after school supper to all students of Wetzel County Schools in the annual approximate amount of $900,000.
k. ACT/SAT Preparation and Incentive Plan, including, without limitation, funding to support the Wetzel County Student ACT/SAT Preparation and Incentive Plan, which will provide student test preparation courses to all students and book scholarships to successful completers of the course with qualifying scores in the annual approximate amount of $70,000.
l. Free Admission to School Events, including,without limitation, funding to provide free admission to school events for citizens of Wetzel County in the annual approximate amount of $100,000.
The amounts set forth above are the anticipated average annual amounts for each purpose. The actual amounts for each purpose likely will vary from one fiscal year to the next. If any item in the above-stated purposes is declared unconstitutional or invalid due to judicial or legislative action, then any affected funds will be distributed among the remaining constitutional and valid itemized purposes. The total amount necessary to carry out the above purposes over five fiscal years, after making reasonable allowances for discounts, delinquencies, exonerations, uncollected taxes and shrinkage, is $129,203,585, or the average sum of $25,840,717 annually. The actual amounts budgeted, as well as the amounts spent, for each purpose and in aggregate, likely will vary from one fiscal year to the next depending on the realized tax collections and the needs of the Wetzel County School District, as determined by the Board with respect to each fiscal year. If the amounts budgeted by the Board for a specific purpose or purposes for a fiscal year are not able to be spent entirely in such fiscal year, then the unspent amounts shall be carried over and, in the Board’s sole discretion, spent on such specific purpose or purposes in subsequent fiscal years.
If additional State, Federal, private or other special funds are made available to the Board for any of the above-stated purposes, the amounts herein set forth may be used, solely or on a matching basis, to secure said additional funds or provide additional services. Additional funds received by grant, donation or otherwise from the state or federal government, or from any agency of either, or from any other public or private source, for the above-stated purposes, may be used either in substitution for or in addition to the funds obtained from this Excess Levy.
The Board reserves unto itself as the levying body the right and authority, in its discretion, to reduce the rates of the excess levy, should increased assessments produce funds in excess of projected needs in any year specified in the levy call in accordance with section six-g, article eight, chapter eleven, of the West Virginia Code.
The Board is hereby authorized and empowered to expend, during the term of this Excess Levy and one additional year, the surplus, if any, accruing in excess of the above amounts needed for any of the above-stated purposes, plus excess collections due to increased assessed valuations for the enrichment, supplementation, operation, and improvement of educational services, schools and/or facilities in the public schools of Wetzel County, including student instructional supplies,materials, equipment, facility improvements and/or capital projects, as Board may determine from time to time, in its discretion.
In the event that the actual amount collected is less than the amounts noted for the above-stated purposes for any one or more fiscal years, the Board is hereby authorized and empowered to determine, in its discretion, which one or more of the above-stated purposes shall be reduced for each such fiscal year, and the amount of each such reduction for such fiscal year; provided, that the total of all such reductions shall not exceed the amount of such collection shortfall each year.
The additional levy, in cents per $100 of assessed value on each class of property, shall be on Class I property 22.95 cents; on Class II property 45.90 cents; on Class III property 91.80 cents; on Class IV property 91.80 cents. That the proposed years to which the additional rate of levies shall apply are the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029, July1, 2030, July 1, 2031, and July 1, 2032.
Nonpartisan candidates on every ballot
Because this is a primary election, there are different Republican and Democratic ballots.
But in every county there are also nonpartisan races that will be on every ballot. Unlike the partisan races, these seats will be decided during the primary, meaning this is your only chance to weigh in on candidates.
Judicial positions
Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals
Five justices are elected to West Virginia’s highest court for 12-year terms. Every year, the court convenes twice for several months to hear appeals of Intermediate Court decisions, as well as appeals from circuit court in criminal cases, juvenile proceedings, and child abuse and neglect matters. They can also be asked to help interpret state and national constitutions and laws.
To be eligible for the court, candidates must be at least 30 years old, have lived in West Virginia for at least five years, be a member in good standing with the West Virginia State Bar, and have been admitted to practice law for at least 10 years prior to the election.
In the 2026 primary, there are two unexpired terms on the ballot.
Division 1: 6 year unexpired term
Laura V. Faircloth
Todd A. Kirby
H.L. “Kirk” Kirkpatrick
Division 2: 2 year unexpired term
Bill Flanigan
Judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals
West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals was created by the Legislature in 2021 and officially opened in 2022. These judges hear cases involving certain types of appeals, including those from circuit court civil cases, some family court decisions, state agencies and workers compensation cases.
Nonpartisan county positions
Board of Education
Every West Virginia county has a county board of education made up of five members. Together, they are responsible for appointing the superintendent, overseeing district operations and finances and establishing educational policies.
Voters can choose up to three candidates. No more than two members can be elected from a single magisterial district; because of the board’s current makeup, only one candidate is eligible to be elected from magisterial district one or three.
Conservation District Supervisor
West Virginia has 14 conservation districts, and they’re run by elected supervisors. The role can vary by district but duties are supposed to revolve around conserving the soil, water and land in their districts. Candidates must be a landowner in the district and have education or experience in conservation.
Wetzel County is part of the Upper Ohio Conservation District. Incumbent supervisor Holly Morgan is running unopposed for the seat.
Democratic ballot
Because this is a primary election, there are different Republican and Democratic ballots. The Democratic primary is an “open” primary, which means both registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters can request a Democratic primary ballot.
There are a number of seats on the Democratic executive committee on the ballot. These are positions that are responsible for party governance, and Democratic voters will get to pick men and women from their county, delegate district, senatorial district and congressional district. These party positions aren’t included below.
Democratic candidates for federal offices
U.S. Senator
West Virginia has two elected U.S. senators. The winner of this year’s contest will be elected to a six-year term, and will serve alongside the state’s other senator, Jim Justice.
Rachel Fetty Anderson
U.S. House of Representatives
Wetzel County is part of West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. The winner of the Democratic primary will face incumbent Republican congressman Riley Moore in the general election; he’s running unopposed in the primary.
Ace Parsi
Stephanie Spears Tomana
Steven Wendelin
Democratic candidates for West Virginia Legislature
Need to know which West Virginia House or Senate district you live in?
Who you see on your ballot for West Virginia House and Senate depends on where you live. Enter your address in the tool below.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 7
The person elected to represent this district will serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where regular citizens serve part-time in Charleston. There are 100 delegates in the West Virginia Legislature; the districts are divided based on population.
Delegates are elected to two-year terms. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and have lived in their district for a year. They earn $23,000 for their work.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 8
The person elected to represent this district will serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where regular citizens serve part-time in Charleston. There are 100 delegates in the West Virginia Legislature; the districts are divided based on population.
Delegates are elected to two-year terms. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and have lived in their district for a year. They earn $23,000 for their work.
There are no Democrats running for this seat.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 72
The person elected to represent this district will serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where regular citizens serve part-time in Charleston. There are 100 delegates in the West Virginia Legislature; the districts are divided based on population.
Delegates are elected to two-year terms. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and have lived in their district for a year. They earn $23,000 for their work.
There are no Democrats running for this seat.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 77
The person elected to represent this district will serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where regular citizens serve part-time in Charleston. There are 100 delegates in the West Virginia Legislature; the districts are divided based on population.
Delegates are elected to two-year terms. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and have lived in their district for a year. They earn $23,000 for their work.
Patricia Andrea Bunner
West Virginia Senate District 2
Like delegates, state senators are regular citizens who serve part-time in the Legislature. However, there are fewer of them: 34 senators in total.
To run for the West Virginia Senate, candidates have to be at least 25 years old and have lived in the state for five years. To run for the West Virginia Senate, candidates have to be at least 25 years old and have lived in the state for five years. They’re elected to four-year terms and earn a $23,000 salary for their work.
Chris Claypole
Democratic candidates for county offices
County Commission
Every West Virginia county has an elected county body that governs it. These officials are elected to six-year terms; their responsibilities include overseeing county tax dollars, supervising the county election process, maintaining the county courthouse and funding county services like libraries, ambulances, fire services and trash pick up. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and live in the magisterial district they’re vying to represent.
Republican ballot
For the first time, this year, the Republican ballot is limited to only people who are registered as a Republican.
Previously, unaffiliated voters (registered as “no party”), could choose whether they wanted to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary elections. But last year, the West Virginia Republican Party decided to close its primary, excluding unaffiliated voters.
There are a number of seats on the Republican executive committee on the ballot. These are positions that are responsible for party governance, and Republican voters will get to pick men and women from their county, delegate district, senatorial district and congressional district. These party positions aren’t included below.
Republican candidates for federal offices
U.S. Senator
West Virginia has two elected U.S. senators. The winner of this year’s contest will be elected to a six-year term, and will serve alongside the state’s other senator, Jim Justice.
Shelley Moore Capito
Alexander Gaaserud
U.S. House of Representatives
Wetzel County is part of West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. Incumbent Republican congressman Riley Moore is running unopposed in the primary; he’ll face the Democratic primary winner in November.
Riley Moore
Republican candidates for West Virginia Legislature
Need to know which West Virginia House or Senate district you live in?
Who you see on your ballot for West Virginia House and Senate depends on where you live. Enter your address in the tool below.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 7
The person elected to represent this district will serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where regular citizens serve part-time in Charleston. There are 100 delegates in the West Virginia Legislature; the districts are divided based on population.
Delegates are elected to two-year terms. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and have lived in their district for a year. They earn $23,000 for their work.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 8
The person elected to represent this district will serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where regular citizens serve part-time in Charleston. There are 100 delegates in the West Virginia Legislature; the districts are divided based on population.
Delegates are elected to two-year terms. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and have lived in their district for a year. They earn $23,000 for their work.
Bill Bell
Steven L. Smith
West Virginia House of Delegates District 72
The person elected to represent this district will serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where regular citizens serve part-time in Charleston. There are 100 delegates in the West Virginia Legislature; the districts are divided based on population.
Delegates are elected to two-year terms. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and have lived in their district for a year. They earn $23,000 for their work.
Clay Riley
Megan M. Krajewski
West Virginia House of Delegates District 77
The person elected to represent this district will serve in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where regular citizens serve part-time in Charleston. There are 100 delegates in the West Virginia Legislature; the districts are divided based on population.
Delegates are elected to two-year terms. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and have lived in their district for a year. They earn $23,000 for their work.
Joe Statler
West Virginia Senate District 2
Like delegates, state senators are regular citizens who serve part-time in the Legislature. However, there are fewer of them: 34 senators in total.
To run for the West Virginia Senate, candidates have to be at least 25 years old and have lived in the state for five years. To run for the West Virginia Senate, candidates have to be at least 25 years old and have lived in the state for five years. They’re elected to four-year terms and earn a $23,000 salary for their work.
Robert Dobkin
Toby Heaney
Republican candidates for county offices
County Commission
Every West Virginia county has an elected county body that governs it. These officials are elected to six-year terms; their responsibilities include overseeing county tax dollars, supervising the county election process, maintaining the county courthouse and funding county services like libraries, ambulances, fire services and trash pick up. Candidates have to be at least 18 years old, and live in the magisterial district they’re vying to represent.
These are all of the races that are listed on the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website, but there may be other local races on your ballot! For more information about Wetzel County races call the county clerk at 304-455-8224.
If you see an error in our voter guide, or want to provide more information about one of the candidates, please email us at contact@mountainstatespotlight.org.