West Virginians will go to the polls on Nov. 3 to pick the people to fill federal jobs like U.S. senator and U.S. representative all the way down to state legislative seats and county commissioners.

Voting in Mineral County

In Mineral County, like around West Virginia, early voting starts on Oct. 21.

You can vote in-person early from Oct. 21 through Oct. 31. Here’s a list of all of the early voting locations and hours around the state, but to find out more specifics about Mineral County, call the county clerk at 304-788-3924.

For more information about voting in West Virginia — or to view candidate information for a different county — click here.

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 Election Day, Nov. 3, polls in Mineral County will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place by entering your information here. 

Federal races

U.S. Senate

Shelley Moore Capito

Shelley Moore Capito

U.S. Senate
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Contact info:
Learn more:
Rachel Fetty Anderson

Rachel Fetty Anderson

U.S. Senate
Party: Democrat
Contact info:
Learn more:
S. Marshall Wilson

S. Marshall Wilson

U.S. Senate
Party: Constitution
Contact info:
Learn more:
On the Record: candidate responses

Mountain State Spotlight asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with four statements. Here are the statements and the responses we received.

Issue 1: I agree with President Donald Trump that FEMA should be eliminated and that the primary responsibility for handling disasters such as flooding and tornadoes should rest with state and local governments.  

Issue 1
Shelley Moore Capito
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Shelley Moore Capito | U.S. Senate
Issue 1
Rachel Fetty Anderson
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Rachel Fetty Anderson | U.S. Senate
Issue 1
S. Marshall Wilson
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I was a civil-military planner. State authorities know their capabilities and can coordinate w/ other states for additional capabilities and Federal $
Candidate: S. Marshall Wilson | U.S. Senate

Issue 2: The federal government should provide incentives to energy and manufacturing companies, including relaxing regulations, to help keep them operating in West Virginia.

Issue 2
Shelley Moore Capito
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Shelley Moore Capito | U.S. Senate
Issue 2
Rachel Fetty Anderson
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Rachel Fetty Anderson | U.S. Senate
Issue 2
S. Marshall Wilson
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
If regulations can be "relaxed" for anyone, they are invalid and should be abolished for everyone. If necessary, necessary for everyone.
Candidate: S. Marshall Wilson | U.S. Senate

Issue 3: As West Virginians face rising costs of living and gas prices, I will prioritize the domestic welfare of my constituents over foreign interventions such as the war in Iran.

Issue 3
Shelley Moore Capito
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Shelley Moore Capito | U.S. Senate
Issue 3
Rachel Fetty Anderson
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Rachel Fetty Anderson | U.S. Senate
Issue 3
S. Marshall Wilson
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
The Constitution acknowledges the power to declare war belongs to citizens to be exercised only through their elected representatives in Congress.
Candidate: S. Marshall Wilson | U.S. Senate

Issue 4: I will prioritize the autonomy and privacy of my constituents when voting on bills related to artificial intelligence and data centers.

Issue 4
Shelley Moore Capito
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Shelley Moore Capito | U.S. Senate
Issue 4
Rachel Fetty Anderson
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Rachel Fetty Anderson | U.S. Senate
Issue 4
S. Marshall Wilson
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
The Rights of citizens is the only valid concern of government.
Candidate: S. Marshall Wilson | U.S. Senate

U.S. House of Representatives

Riley Moore

Riley Moore

U.S. House Of Representatives
District: 2
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Contact info:
Learn more:
Ace Parsi

Ace Parsi

U.S. House Of Representatives
District: 2
Party: Democrat
Contact info:
Learn more:
On the Record: candidate responses

Mountain State Spotlight asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with four statements. Here are the statements and the responses we received.

Issue 1: I agree with President Donald Trump that FEMA should be eliminated and that the primary responsibility for handling disasters such as flooding and tornadoes should rest with state and local governments.  

Issue 1
Riley Moore
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Riley Moore | U.S. House Of Representatives
Issue 1
Ace Parsi
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
WV has had a number of floods and other natural disasters the last two years. FEMA has been a help but has been understaffed and underfunded.
Candidate: Ace Parsi | U.S. House Of Representatives

Issue 2: The federal government should provide incentives to energy and manufacturing companies, including relaxing regulations, to help keep them operating in West Virginia.

Issue 2
Riley Moore
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Riley Moore | U.S. House Of Representatives
Issue 2
Ace Parsi
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
We cannot keep throwing money at out of state corporations with no accountability.
Candidate: Ace Parsi | U.S. House Of Representatives

Issue 3: As West Virginians face rising costs of living and gas prices, I will prioritize the domestic welfare of my constituents over foreign interventions such as the war in Iran.

Issue 3
Riley Moore
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Riley Moore | U.S. House Of Representatives
Issue 3
Ace Parsi
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
We have ballooned the deficit with no clear strategy and objectives and West Virginians have felt the pain.
Candidate: Ace Parsi | U.S. House Of Representatives

Issue 4: I will prioritize the autonomy and privacy of my constituents when voting on bills related to artificial intelligence and data centers.

Issue 4
Riley Moore
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Riley Moore | U.S. House Of Representatives
Issue 4
Ace Parsi
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I would introduce bills to ensure data center building is preceded by a community referendum and block the use of Flock cameras.
Candidate: Ace Parsi | U.S. House Of Representatives

State constitutional amendment

Citizenship Requirement to Vote in West Virginia Elections Amendment

Every West Virginia ballot will contain the following constitutional amendment: 

Summary of Purpose: This amendment provides that in all elections held in West Virginia only citizens of the United States who are citizens of this state are qualified to vote.

Instructions to Voters: To vote in favor of the Amendment submitted, darken the oval next to “FOR”. To vote against the Amendment, darken the oval next to “AGAINST”.

Non-citizens are already blocked from voting in West Virginia elections per state code. If a simple majority of more than 50% of voters approves this amendment, this would add the prohibition to the state constitution.

The resolution that put this measure on the ballot was sponsored by Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, and approved unanimously by both the state Senate and House of Delegates. Similar language is included in the American Legislative Exchange Council’s “Essential Policy Solutions for 2026,” and the amendment is supported by Americans for Citizen Voting, which advocates for similar policies around the country. It’s opposed by the League of Women Voters of West Virginia, which calls it “completely unnecessary.” 


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.

Senate District 14

Jay Taylor

Jay Taylor

State Senate
District: 14
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Contact info:
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Jason Armentrout

Jason Armentrout

State Senate
District: 14
Party: Democrat
Contact info:
Learn more:

On the Record: Candidates did not respond to Mountain State Spotlight’s survey.

House District 87

Gary G. Howell

Gary G. Howell

House Of Delegates
District: 87
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Contact info:
Learn more:
Rebecca Holler

Rebecca Holler

House Of Delegates
District: 87
Party: Democrat
Contact info:
Learn more:

On the Record

Mountain State Spotlight asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with five statements. Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.

West Virginia should fund infrastructure such as clean drinking water, high-quality roads and bridges, and local public schools before passing additional income tax cuts.
Issue 1
Gary G. Howell
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Gary G. Howell | House Of Delegates
Issue 1
Rebecca Holler
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
West Virginia cannot afford any more tax cuts while also providing the assistance needed to fund projects necessary to our quality of life.
Candidate: Rebecca Holler | House Of Delegates
The best way to ensure every West Virginia child receives a quality education is to ensure the Hope Scholarship is fully funded for all students with no eligibility restrictions.
Issue 2
Gary G. Howell
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Gary G. Howell | House Of Delegates
Issue 2
Rebecca Holler
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
I support school choice but regulations are necessary to keep students in WV. Funding should stay primarily within the public school system.
Candidate: Rebecca Holler | House Of Delegates
When federal funding is cut for social services like SNAP and Medicaid, the state should step in to ensure eligible West Virginians still have access.
Issue 3
Gary G. Howell
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Gary G. Howell | House Of Delegates
Issue 3
Rebecca Holler
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
It is unfortunate that the federal government has put us in this position.
Candidate: Rebecca Holler | House Of Delegates
Legislation around data centers, namely 2025’s HB 2014, should be revised to return meaningful oversight and authority over such projects to local communities and governments.
Issue 4
Gary G. Howell
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Gary G. Howell | House Of Delegates
Issue 4
Rebecca Holler
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I believe the bill should be repealed and revised, but I am open to amendments for local communities' voices to be heard.
Candidate: Rebecca Holler | House Of Delegates
Lawmakers should direct more government economic development resources toward initiatives recommended by the state Chamber of Commerce, like childcare, high-speed internet and workforce training.
Issue 5
Gary G. Howell
Level of agreement: ?
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Gary G. Howell | House Of Delegates
Issue 5
Rebecca Holler
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
These issues are important for WV’s quality of life, which all lawmakers should prioritize when making economic decisions.
Candidate: Rebecca Holler | House Of Delegates

House District 88

Rick Hillenbrand

Rick Hillenbrand

House Of Delegates
District: 88
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Contact info:
Learn more:
Dorothy L. Kengla

Dorothy L. Kengla

House Of Delegates
District: 88
Party: Democrat
Contact info:
Learn more:

On the Record

Mountain State Spotlight asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with five statements. Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.

West Virginia should fund infrastructure such as clean drinking water, high-quality roads and bridges, and local public schools before passing additional income tax cuts.
Issue 1
Rick Hillenbrand
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
Candidate: Rick Hillenbrand | House Of Delegates
Issue 1
Dorothy L. Kengla
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
The proposed income tax cuts will mainly benefit high income earners, while funds available for the items listed above.
Candidate: Dorothy L. Kengla | House Of Delegates
The best way to ensure every West Virginia child receives a quality education is to ensure the Hope Scholarship is fully funded for all students with no eligibility restrictions.
Issue 2
Rick Hillenbrand
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
Candidate: Rick Hillenbrand | House Of Delegates
Issue 2
Dorothy L. Kengla
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
Too much money is going into the Hope voucher program, and sometimes being sent out of state, while taking money from public education.
Candidate: Dorothy L. Kengla | House Of Delegates
When federal funding is cut for social services like SNAP and Medicaid, the state should step in to ensure eligible West Virginians still have access.
Issue 3
Rick Hillenbrand
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Candidate: Rick Hillenbrand | House Of Delegates
Issue 3
Dorothy L. Kengla
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
Candidate: Dorothy L. Kengla | House Of Delegates
Legislation around data centers, namely 2025’s HB 2014, should be revised to return meaningful oversight and authority over such projects to local communities and governments.
Issue 4
Rick Hillenbrand
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
The adage "too many cooks spoil the broth" applies. We cannot have 55 Counties making their own rules to stymie the state.
Candidate: Rick Hillenbrand | House Of Delegates
Issue 4
Dorothy L. Kengla
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: Dorothy L. Kengla | House Of Delegates
Lawmakers should direct more government economic development resources toward initiatives recommended by the state Chamber of Commerce, like childcare, high-speed internet and workforce training.
Issue 5
Rick Hillenbrand
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Candidate: Rick Hillenbrand | House Of Delegates
Issue 5
Dorothy L. Kengla
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: Dorothy L. Kengla | House Of Delegates

County races

Mineral County levy

Ambulance levy

A special election to authorize additional levies for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029 and July 1, 2030 for the Mineral County Ambulance Authority in the amount of $427,302 annually according to the Order of the Mineral County Commission entered on the 25th day of August, 2026.

That the additional rate of levy in cents per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation on each class of property shall be:

Class I 1.21 cents

Class II 2.42 cents

Class III 4.84 cents

Class IV 4.84 cents.

Mineral County Commission

What does a county commission do?

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.

Kirk A. Kesner

Kirk A. Kesner

Mineral County Commission
District: 1
Party: Republican
Contact info:
Learn more:

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 Mineral County races call the county clerk at 304-788-3924.

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.