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 Ritchie County
In Ritchie 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 Ritchie County, call the county clerk at 304-643-2164 ext. 7.
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 Ritchie 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
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 2: The federal government should provide incentives to energy and manufacturing companies, including relaxing regulations, to help keep them operating in West Virginia.
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 4: I will prioritize the autonomy and privacy of my constituents when voting on bills related to artificial intelligence and data centers.
U.S. House of Representatives
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 2: The federal government should provide incentives to energy and manufacturing companies, including relaxing regulations, to help keep them operating in West Virginia.
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 4: I will prioritize the autonomy and privacy of my constituents when voting on bills related to artificial intelligence and data centers.
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 3
On the Record: Candidates did not respond to Mountain State Spotlight’s survey.
Senate District 3 — Unexpired
On the Record: Candidates did not respond to Mountain State Spotlight’s survey.
House District 9
On the Record: Candidate did not respond to Mountain State Spotlight’s survey.
County races
Ritchie 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.
Ritchie County Commission — Unexpired
Ritchie County Clerk — Unexpired
What does a county clerk do?
In every West Virginia county, county clerks are the chief elections officer. They also handle functions including voter registration, licenses (like marriages and deaths), handling payroll for county employees, maintaining county financial documents and assisting the county commission. In West Virginia, county clerks are elected to a six-year term. Candidates must be 18 years of age and a county resident.
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 Ritchie County races call the county clerk at 304-643-2164 ext. 7.
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.