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 Wirt County
In Wirt 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 Wirt County, call the county clerk at (304) 275-4271.
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 Wirt County will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place by entering your information here.
Wirt County levy
School levy
Wirt County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax of 20.66 to 82.64 cents for every $100 of assessed property to fund textbooks, athletics, the band program, salary supplements and student transportation (in addition to some other programs) for Wirt County Public Schools. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
Special Election for renewal of authorization of additional levies for the fiscal year(s) beginning July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029, July 1, 2030, and July 1, 2031, in the approximate average amount of $1,791,117 annually, for the purpose of the payment of the general current expenses of The Board of Education of the County of Wirt (the”Board”), including for the purposes herein after set forth; all according to the Order of the Board entered on the 6th day of January, 2026, and as more particularly described below.
The purpose 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 as set forth herein, are as follows:
To continue the practice of Furnishing free textbooks,instructional supplies, equipment, and services and technology support: $302,000
To continue support of the co-curricular and extracurricular programs through the payment of salaries (including, but not limited to, athletics and band) and for student participation through student travel: $210,000
To continue support of the instructional program through local salary supplements (including associated fixed charges, such as, social security, workers’ compensation, and retirement): $465,117 (Professional personnel $300,000; and Service personnel $165,117)
To maintain and improve the student transportation system, including but not limited to, funding the purchase of buses/equipment, maintenance and fuel for buses, insurance for bus fleet and facility improvements: $90,000
To maintain an improvement fund for facilities,custodial/maintenance supplies, building insurance and utilities; to improve or correct environmental and/or structural deficiencies in all schools and grounds, and to ensure adequate protection against fire hazards and health hazards, all in order to provide a safe atmosphere conducive to good learning: $688,000 (Facilities/repairs $100,000;custodial/maintenance supplies and equipment $175,000;property/building insurance $50,000; and utilities $363,000.)
To continue to provide financial support of community organizations that provide services to Wirt County Schools, including but not limited to: Dora B. Woodyard Memorial Library ($19,000); and WVU 4-H Extension program ($17,000): $36,000
TOTAL: $1,791,117
The amounts set forth above are the anticipated average annual amounts for each purpose. The actual amount 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 an valid itemized purposes.
The Board is hereby authorized an empowered to expend, during the term of this levy, the surplus,if any, accruing in excess of the amounts needed for any of the above-stated purposes, or for the enrichment, supplementation and improvement of educational services and/or facilities in the public schools; provided, however, that if during the term of this levy, any annual appraisal, triennial appraisal or general valuation of property would produce an assessment that would cause an increase of four percent or more in the total projected property tax revenues that would be realized were the special levy rates then in effect by the Board be imposed, the Board shall reduce the rate of the excess levy for all classes of property for the forthcoming tax year so as to prevent the projected property tax revenues from exceeding said four percent increase; provided, further,that this limitation shall not restrict the ability of the Board to enact excess levies as authorized under existing statutory or constitutional provisions; and provided, further, that an additional appraisal or valuation due to new construction or improvements to existing real property, including beginning recovery of natural resources and newly acquired personal property, shall not be an annual appraisal or general valuation within the meaning of this paragraph, nor shall the assessed value of such improvements be included in calculating the new tax levy for purposes of the paragraph.
In the event the Board shall obtain additional money by grant or otherwise from the state or federal government, or from any agency of either, or from any other source, for the purposes aforesaid,such additional money may be used either in substitution for, or in addition to, the sums obtained from such additional levies as the Board may from time to time determine.
In the event that the actual amount collected is less than the approximate annual amounts allocated for the above-stated purposes for any one or more fiscal years, the Board is hereby authorized an empowered to determine in its discretion (i) which one or more of the above-stated purposes shall be reduced for each such fiscal year and (ii) the amount of each such reduction for such fiscal year; provided, however that the total of all such reductions shall not exceed the amount of such collection shortfall each year.
The Board reserves unto itself as the levying body the right and authority to reduce the rates of excess levy should increased assessments produce funds beyond 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 continuation of additional levy, in cents per $100 of assessed value on each class of property, shall be on Class I property 20.66 cents; on Class II property 41.32 cents; on Class III property 82.64 cents; on Class IV property 82.64 cents.
That the proposed years to which the additional rate of levies shall apply are the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2029, 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 can be elected from the Central or Northeast districts.
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.
Wirt County is part of the Little Kanawha Conservation District. Incumbent supervisor Rose Ann Adams is running unopposed for the position.
Nonpartisan city positions
Elizabeth Mayor
Elizabeth 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
Wirt 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 14
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.
Crystal Butcher
Jonathan White
West Virginia House of Delegates District 15
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 Democratic candidates running for this seat.
West Virginia Senate District 3
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 3 — 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.
There are no Democrats running for this seat.
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.
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
Wirt 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 14
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.
Dave Foggin
Angie Adams
Andy Daniel
West Virginia House of Delegates District 15
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.
Erica J. Moore
West Virginia Senate District 3
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 Azinger
Bob Fehrenbacher
West Virginia Senate District 3 — 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.
Trenton Carl Barnhart
Jason S. Harshbarger
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
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 Wirt County races call the county clerk at (304) 275-4271.
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.