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 Harrison County
In Harrison 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 Harrison County, call the county clerk at (304) 624-8674.
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 Harrison County will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place by entering your information here.
Harrison County levies
Emergency services/animal control/parks levy
Harrison County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax to fund emergency medical services, the animal control department and the parks and recreation department. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
According to the Order of the Harrison County Commission, adopted on the 21st day of January, 2026, A Special election will be held to authorize additional levies, allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount, for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029 and July 1, 2030 for the purpose of providing for the continued operation of the following organizations in the following amounts:
| Agency | Fiscal Year 2028 | Fiscal Year 2029 | Fiscal Year 2030 | Fiscal Year 2031 |
| Harrison County Commission for Harrison County Emergency Services | $2,865,000 | $2,950,950 | $3,039,479 | $3,130,663 |
| Harrison County Animal Control Department/Facility | $588,500 | $606,155 | $624,340 | $643,070 |
| Harrison County Parks and Recreation Department/Facility | $1,662,500 | $1,712,375 | $1,763,746 | $1,816,659 |
| Totals | $5,116,000 | $5,269,480 | $5,427,564 | $5,590,391 |
The additional levy allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027, shall be on Class I property 3.33 cents; on Class II property 6.66 cents; and on Class III and Class IV property 13.32 cents; per $100.00 valuation.
The additional levy allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2028, shall be on Class I property 3.43 cents; on Class II property 6.86 cents; and on Class III and Class IV property 13.72 cents; per $100.00 valuation.
The additional levy allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2029, shall be on Class I property 3.53 cents; on Class II property 7.06 cents; and on Class III and Class IV property 14.12 cents; per $100.00 valuation.
The additional levy allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2030, shall be on Class I property 3.64 cents; on Class II property 7.28 cents; and on Class III and Class IV property 14.56 cents; per $100.00 valuation.
That in the event the separate and aggregate assessed valuation of each class of taxable property within the County of Harrison increases during the term of the special levy, the levy rate shall be adjusted so that the projected tax collection will not exceed the maximum sum of: $5,116,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027; $5,269,480 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2028; $5,427,564 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2029;and $5,590,391 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2030.
Examples of acceptable usage of funds are as follows: General operating expenses, building, infrastructure, and equipment maintenance and repairs, acquisition and upgrades of equipment, property or structures, improvements and modifications to land and facilities, and matching funds to obtain federal funds or other available funds. The Harrison County Commission will each year provide the amount of funds from the levy to each organization in the amounts as set forth in this order.
In the event any of these entities would cease to exist, for whatever reason, or, if the amount of funds collected exceed the approximate amount, the Harrison County Commission will follow all necessary legal and governmental requirements to ensure that any funding previously allocated to said entity may be redistributed to one or more of the remaining entities, on an equitable basis. If the amount of funds collected is less than the anticipated approximate amount, each beneficiary’s distribution amount will be reduced equitably.
In the event that sufficient State, Federal, or other special funds become available to provide monies for any of the above purposes, or the Harrison County Commission’s anticipated expenses for each stated purpose are lower than projected, the levy monies specified for these purposes may be used for the general operation and improvement of the county. The Harrison County Commission is hereby authorized and empowered to expend,during the term of this Levy, the funds, if any, occurring in excess of the amount needed for any of the above stated purposes for the enrichment,supplementation, improvement and advancement of all county programs, operations and facilities in Harrison County, and other purposes pertinent to the operation of the county.
Public bus levy
Harrison County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax to continue public bus transportation in the county. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
Primary election to authorize additional levies, allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount, for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, July 1,2029 and July 1, 2030 for the purpose of providing for the continued operation of the mass transportation bus system in Harrison County, West Virginia,according to the Order of the Harrison County Commission, adopted on the 21st day of January, 2026. The funds raised will be used for general operating expenses, including matching funds to obtain federal funds for replacement of existing bus inventory, and other improvements to garage facilities.
The additional levy allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027, shall be on Class I property 1.83 cents; on Class II property 3.66 cents; and on Class III and Class IV property 7.32 cents; per $100.00 valuation.
The additional levy allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2028, shall be on Class I property 1.89 cents; on Class II property 3.78 cents; and on Class III and Class IV property 7.56 cents; per $100.00 valuation.
The additional levy allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2029, shall be on Class I property 1.95 cents; on Class II property 3.90 cents; and on Class III and Class IV property 7.80 cents; per $100.00 valuation.
The additional levy allowing for 5% delinquencies and 2% discount for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2030, shall be on Class I property 2.00 cents; on Class II property 4.00 cents; and on Class III and Class IV property 8.00 cents; per $100.00 valuation.
That in the event the separate and aggregate assessed valuation of each class of taxable property within the County of Harrison increases during the term of the special levy, the levy rate shall be adjusted so that the projected tax collection will not exceed the maximum sum of: $2,822,278 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027; $2,906,946 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2028; $2,994,155 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2029 and $3,083,979 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2030.
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.
Justin Caroli announced on Facebook that he was withdrawing from the race, though he will still appear on the ballot.
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.
Harrison County is part of the West Fork Conservation District.
Water Board
City nonpartisan races
Clarksburg Mayor
Clarksburg City Council
Voters can choose up to three candidates.
Shinnston City Council Ward 1
Shinnston City Council Ward 2
Shinnston City Council Ward 3
Shinnston City Council Ward 4
Shinnston City Council At-Large
West Milford Mayor
West Milford City Council
There are five open spots on the council, but only three candidates.
West Milford City Recorder
Patty Flowers is running unopposed for the position.
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
Harrison 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 69
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.
Lou Assaro
Jocelyn Blackwell
West Virginia House of Delegates District 70
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.
Shannon Welsh
West Virginia House of Delegates District 71
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.
Robert “Rob” Garcia
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 Senate District 12
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.
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
Harrison 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 69
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.
Keith Marple
West Virginia House of Delegates District 70
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.
Salvatore M. Bombardiere
West Virginia House of Delegates District 71
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.
Laura Kimble
Tim McNeely
West Virginia House of Delegates District 71
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 Senate District 12
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.
Joseph “Joe” Earley
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 Harrison County races call the county clerk at (304) 624-8674.
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.