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 Monongalia County
In Monongalia 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 Monongalia County, call the county clerk at 304-291-7230.
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 Monongalia County will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place by entering your information here.
Monongalia County levy
Non-charter public school levy
Mon County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax of 16.75 to 67 cents for every $100 of assessed property to fund the county’s non-charter public schools. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
Special Election to authorize additional levies for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029, and July 1, 2030, in the amount of approximately $35,644,465 annually for non-charter public schools for the following purposes:
• instructional materials, supplies, services, textbooks, equipment, physical education, and duplication services, approximately $1,500,000 annually;
• equipment, supplies and services in accordance with the Monongalia County technology plan, approximately $1,250,000 annually;
• library/media center books, supplies, equipment and services, approximately $175,000 annually;
• materials, equipment, supplies and services for programs in general, instrumental and vocal music, art and drama, approximately $250,000 annually;
• math/science supplies, equipment and services for classrooms and laboratories, approximately $145,000 annually;
• supplies, services and equipment to supplement the Monongalia County Technical Education Center programs, approximately $100,000 annually;
• supplies, services and equipment to supplement pupil services, child nutrition, community schools, after school programs, summer programs, Law Enforcement, alternative education and health services, approximately $1,500,000 annually;
• extracurricular activities including, but not limited to, recreation programs, athletics and athletic coaches, academic programs and services, and upgrade athletic facilities and playgrounds, approximately $1,250,000 annually;
• salary, supplies and travel for County 4-H program support, approximately $40,000 annually;
• supplement the student services provided by the Monongalia County Public Libraries, approximately $80,000 annually;
• repair, maintenance, additions and improvements to buildings, facilities and equipment and to meet existing local, state and federal regulations and codes including, but not limited to, fire marshal, health department, Department of Environmental Protection and Americans with Disabilities Act, approximately $2,500,000 annually;
• supplement professional and service personnel salaries and benefits, staff to address enrollment increases, an elective program grades 9-12, and for nonfunded professional and service personnel mandates, approximately $24,254,465 annually;
• materials, supplies, services, security and equipment for the operation of facilities, approximately $2,000,000 annually;
• pupil transportation services including, but not limited to, the acquisition, operation, maintenance and repair of school buses, approximately $600,000 annually.
If for any reason all of the funds herein above allocated for any one of the above enumerated purposes is not used for such purpose in any of such fiscal years, the unused portion of such funds may be allocated by The Board of Education of the County of Monongalia, in its discretion,and expended for any one or more of the other remaining purposes. No excess levy funds shall be allocated to public charter schools.
In the event The Board of Education of the County of Monongalia shall obtain money by grantor otherwise from the State or Federal Government, or from any agency of either, or from any other source including, but not limited to, additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to existing real property, including beginning recovery of natural resources, and newly acquired personal property, for any of the above purposes in any of said fiscal years, such additional money may be used either in substitution for or in addition to the funds received from such additional levies.
The additional levies shall be on Class I property, 16.75 cents; on Class II property, 33.50 cents; on Class III property, 67.00 cents; and on Class IV property, 67.00 cents.
Whenever, in any of said four (4) fiscal years any annual appraisal or general valuation of property produces property assessments that would cause an increase in the total property tax revenues that would be realized by the imposition of the foregoing levy rates, and which increase in property tax revenues would exceed the projected needed revenue for that year, The Board of Education of the County of Monongalia reserves unto itself as the levying body the right and authority to reduce such additional levy rates in such fiscal year. Nothing herein shall affect any special levy or levies for the retirement of bonded indebtedness.
Additional assessments 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 determining whether to reduce excess levy rates for any such fiscal year.
All according to the Order of The Board of Education of the County of Monongalia entered on the 16th day of December 2025.
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
Magistrate
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.
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.
Monongalia County is part of the Monongahela Conservation District. Incumbent Mark Myers is running unopposed for the seat.
Nonpartisan city positions
Granville Mayor
Granville City Council
Voters can choose up to five candidates.
Granville City Recorder
Star City Mayor
Star City Council
Voters can choose up to five candidates.
Star City Recorder
Westover City Council Ward 1
Westover City Council Ward 2
Westover City Council Ward 3
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
Monongalia 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 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 House of Delegates District 78
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.
Michael Wendell
West Virginia House of Delegates District 79
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.
Evan Hansen
West Virginia House of Delegates District 80
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.
Kirsten Nelson
West Virginia House of Delegates District 81
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 82
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.
Thomas Ramsey
Eddie Wagoner
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
West Virginia Senate District 13
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.
John Williams
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
Monongalia 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 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 House of Delegates District 78
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.
Geno Chiarelli
Cohen Terneus
West Virginia House of Delegates District 79
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 80
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 81
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 82
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.
David McCormick
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
West Virginia Senate District 13
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.
Mike Oliverio
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 Monongalia County races call the county clerk at 304-291-7230.
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.