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 Kanawha County
In Kanawha 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 Kanawha County, call the County Clerk at (304) 357-0130.
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 Kanawha County will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place by entering your information here.
Kanawha County levy
Ambulance, bus and emergency services levy
Kanawha County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax of 6.09 to 24.36 cents for every $100 of assessed property to fund public buses, ambulances, police protection and emergency services. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
Special election to authorize additional levies for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2029, July 1, 2030, July 1, 2031, July 1, 2032 and July 1,2033, and for the purposes of contributing (i) fifteen percent (15%) of such funds received in each year from the additional levies to a special fund created pursuant to Section 9, Article 1,Chapter 7 of said Code, known as the “Emergency Services Levy Fund” to render financial aid to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the police departments of municipalities or other public law enforcement agencies within Kanawha County or to public fire protection facilities operating within Kanawha County, the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority, the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority, as their need for such aid as determined by the County Commission arises during each fiscal year; (ii) forty-six percent (46%) of such funds received from the additional levies to the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority for the acquisition of equipment and other capital improvements, payment of a portion of its general operating, maintenance, and other expenses, including payment to any person, public corporation or state or any agency or political subdivision thereof for operations or other services, if any, provided pursuant to contracts and agreements entered into under the authority of Chapter 7, Article 15, of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and (iii) contributing thirty-nine percent (39%) of the funds received from such additional levies to the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority for the acquisition of equipment and other capital improvements, payment of a portion of its general operating, maintenance, and other expenses, all according to the order of The County Commission of Kanawha County, West Virginia, entered on the 5th day of February, 2026.
The additional levy for each one hundred dollars assessed valuation of property for each of the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2029, July 1, 2030, July 1, 2031, July 1, 2032, and July 1, 2033, shall be: on Class I property- 6.09 cents; on Class II property- 12.18 cents; on Class III property- 24.36 cents; and on Class IV property -24.36 cents, provided, that if the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority or the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority shall be dissolved, then the additional levy shall, to that extent, thereafter not be laid.
Charleston levy
Charleston Police, Fire, and Parks & Recreation Department levy
Charleston voters will decide whether to continue a temporary tax of 5.03 to 20.12 cents for every $100 of assessed property to fund the expenses of Charleston Police, Fire and Parks & Recreation Departments. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
An Election to authorize the continuation of additional levies for the years beginning July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029, and July 1,2030, for the purpose of providing additional funds annually during such years for current expenses of the Charleston Police, Fire, and Parks & Recreation Departments according to the order and ordinance of the Council of the City of Charleston passed and adopted at its meeting on the 20th day of January 2026.
The additional levies shall be on Class I property 5.03 cents; and on Class II property 10.06 cents; and on Class IV property 20.12 cents; all per $100 assessed valuation.
Provided that in the event the separate and aggregate assessed valuations of each class of taxable property within the City of Charleston increases during the term of the special levy, the levy rate may be adjusted so that the projected gross tax will not exceed 95% of the previous years projected gross tax revenue. An increase in the aggregate assessed valuation of each class of taxable property due to new construction or improvements to existing real property, including beginning recovery of natural resources, and newly acquired personal property shall not be included in calculating the new tax levy for purposes of this section.
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.
Municipal Judge
Nonpartisan county positions
Magistrate — Division 4
Every West Virginia county has at least two magistrates, while more populated counties have up to ten. These are the people tasked with enforcing state and municipal laws, as well as court procedures. They hear civil cases where less than $10,000 is at stake, misdemeanor criminal cases and do preliminary examinations in felony cases. They also issue domestic violence emergency protective orders and can serve in the place of a mental hygiene commissioner to involuntarily commit people to hospitals. Click here for more information about magistrate courts.
Magistrates are elected to four-year terms in nonpartisan elections. The requirements for the position are only that they be at least 21 years old, live in the county where they’re elected and have a high school education. They also can’t have more than one magistrate in their immediate family, or have any past felony convictions or convictions for “moral turpitude.” A law degree is not required. They earn $63,250 a year, per West Virginia Code.
Magistrate — Division 13
Every West Virginia county has at least two magistrates, while more populated counties have up to ten. These are the people tasked with enforcing state and municipal laws, as well as court procedures. They hear civil cases where less than $10,000 is at stake, misdemeanor criminal cases and do preliminary examinations in felony cases. They also issue domestic violence emergency protective orders and can serve in the place of a mental hygiene commissioner to involuntarily commit people to hospitals. Click here for more information about magistrate courts.
Magistrates are elected to four-year terms in nonpartisan elections. The requirements for the position are only that they be at least 21 years old, live in the county where they’re elected and have a high school education. They also can’t have more than one magistrate in their immediate family, or have any past felony convictions or convictions for “moral turpitude.” A law degree is not required. They earn $63,250 a year, per West Virginia Code.
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 can be elected from districts 1 or 4.
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.
Kanawha County is part of the Capitol Conservation District.
Voters can choose up to four candidates.
Richard D. Durham
Brian Farkas
Charles “Chuck” Grishaber
Diane Lumadue
Cynthia Lynn McGill
Sally Shepherd
Nonpartisan city positions
Belle Mayor
Belle City Council
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
Kanawha County is part of West Virginia’s 1st Congressional District.
Britta “Brit” Aguirre
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 52
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 53
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.
Howard Mize
Keena Mullins
West Virginia House of Delegates District 54
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.
Mike Pushkin
West Virginia House of Delegates District 55
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.
Aaron Crank
Anthony Dasaro
West Virginia House of Delegates District 56
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.
Kayla Young
West Virginia House of Delegates District 57
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.
Hollis T. Lewis
West Virginia House of Delegates District 58
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.
Marisa Jackson
Alaina Schwechler
West Virginia House of Delegates District 59
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 60
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 61
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.
Shane Woodrum
West Virginia Senate District 7
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.
Cindy Brake
Michael Karr
West Virginia Senate District 8
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.
West Virginia Senate District 17
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.
West Virginia Senate District 17 — Unexpired
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.
Ted Boettner
Richie Robb
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.
Democratic candidates for city offices
Charleston Mayor
Charleston City Council Ward 1
Charleston City Council Ward 2
Charleston City Council Ward 3
Charleston City Council Ward 4
Charleston City Council Ward 5
Charleston City Council Ward 6
Charleston City Council Ward 7
Charleston City Council Ward 8
Charleston City Council Ward 9
Charleston City Council Ward 10
Charleston City Council Ward 11
Charleston City Council Ward 12
Charleston City Council Ward 13
There are no Democrats running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 14
Charleston City Council Ward 15
There are no Democrats running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 16
Charleston City Council Ward 17
Charleston City Council Ward 18
Charleston City Council Ward 19
There are no Democrats running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 20
Charleston City Council At Large
Voters can choose up to six candidates.
Charleston Municipal Judge
South Charleston Mayor
There are no Democrats running for this position.
South Charleston City Council Ward 1
There are no Democrats running for this position.
South Charleston City Council Ward 2
South Charleston City Council Ward 3
South Charleston City Council Ward 4
South Charleston City Council Ward 5
South Charleston City Council Ward 6
South Charleston City Council Ward 7
South Charleston City Council Ward 8
South Charleston Municipal Judge
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
Kanawha County is part of West Virginia’s 1st Congressional District.
Larry Jackson
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 52
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.
Tresa Howell
West Virginia House of Delegates District 53
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.
Tristan Leavitt
Terry J. Burns
West Virginia House of Delegates District 54
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 Republicans running for this seat.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 55
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.
J.B. Akers
West Virginia House of Delegates District 56
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 Republicans running for this seat.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 57
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 Republicans running for this seat.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 58
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.
Walter Hall
West Virginia House of Delegates District 59
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.
Andy Shamblin
West Virginia House of Delegates District 60
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.
Dana J. Ferrell
West Virginia House of Delegates District 61
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.
Lewis A. Taylor
West Virginia Senate District 7
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.
Zack Maynard
West Virginia Senate District 8
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.
T. Kevan Bartlett
Steven Carder Eshenaur
West Virginia Senate District 17
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.
Tom Takubo
West Virginia Senate District 17 — Unexpired
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.
Anne B. Charnock
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.
Republican candidates for city offices
Charleston Mayor
Charleston City Council Ward 1
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 2
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 3
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 4
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 5
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 6
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 7
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 8
Charleston City Council Ward 9
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 10
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 11
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 12
Charleston City Council Ward 13
Charleston City Council Ward 14
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 15
Charleston City Council Ward 16
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 17
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council Ward 18
Charleston City Council Ward 19
Charleston City Council Ward 20
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
Charleston City Council At Large
Voters can choose up to six candidates.
South Charleston Mayor
South Charleston Recorder
South Charleston City Council Ward 1
South Charleston City Council Ward 3
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
South Charleston City Council Ward 4
South Charleston City Council Ward 5
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
South Charleston City Council Ward 6
South Charleston City Council Ward 7
There are no Republicans running for this seat.
South Charleston City Council Ward 8
South Charleston Municipal Judge
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 Kanawha County races call the county clerk at (304) 357-0130.
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.