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 Cabell County
In Cabell 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 Cabell County, call the county clerk at 304-526-8625.
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 Cabell County will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place by entering your information here.
Cabell County levies
EMS, health department, senior services, mass transit and fire protection levies
Cabell County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax to fund Cabell County Emergency Medical Services, the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, senior citizen projects and programs, the Tri-State Transit Authority and fire protection. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
A special election to authorize additional levies for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029, July 1, 2030, and July 1,2031, (five years) and for the purposes of :
A. CABELL COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES – $4,012,806
B. CABELL-HUNTINGTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT – $1,605,122
C. CABELL COUNTY SENIOR CITIZEN PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS – $535,040
D. TRI-STATE TRANSIT AUTHORITY -$1,605,122
E. FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE, FIREFIGHTING TRAINING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – $936,323
entered according to the Order of the Cabell County Commission entered on the 22nd day of January, 2026.
That the additional rate of levy in cents per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation on each class of property shall be:
A. CABELL COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Class I 3.00 cents
Class II 6.00 cents
Class III *if any 12.00 cents
Class IV 12.00 cents
B. CABELL HUNTINGTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Class I 1.20 cents
Class II 2.40 cents
Class III *if any 4.80 cents
Class IV 4.80 cents
C. SENIOR SERVICES
Class I .40 cents
Class II .80 cents
Class III *if any 1.60 cents
Class IV 1.60 cents
D. MASS TRANSIT
Class I 1.20 cents
Class II 2.40 cents
Class III *if any 4.80 cents
Class IV 4.80 cents
E. FIRE PROTECTION
Class I .70 cents
Class II 1.40 cents
Class III *if any 2.80 cents
Class IV 2.80 cents
In the event the separate and aggregate assessed value of each class of taxable property within the County of Cabell increases during the term of the special excess levy, the levy rate shall be reduced so that the projected tax collection will not exceed in any fiscal year the following:
A. CABELL COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES – $4,012,806
B. CABELL-HUNTINGTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT – $1,605,122
C. CABELL COUNTY SENIOR CITIZEN PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS -$535,040
D. TRI-STATE TRANSIT AUTHORITY -$1,605,122
E. FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE, FIREFIGHTING TRAINING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – $936,323
Huntington levy
Tri-State Transit Authority levy
Huntington voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax of 3.5 to 14 cents for every $100 of assessed property to fund city bus service. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
An election to authorize additional levies for the year beginning July 1, 2027 and July 1, 2028 and July 1, 2029 and July 1, 2030 and July 1, 2031 for the purpose of providing sufficient local funding to The Tri-State Transit Authority (TTA) to continue bus service to the City of Huntington entered on the 27th day of February, 2026.
The additional levy shall be Class I property 3.5cents; on Class II property 7.0 cents; Class IV property 14.0 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Provided, that, in the event the separate and aggregate assessed valuation of each class of taxable property within the City of Huntington increases during the term of this special levy, the levy rate may be adjusted so that the projected gross tax revenue will not exceed 104% of the previous year’s projected gross tax revenue. However, in no event shall the levy rate be adjusted so that the projected gross tax revenue is less than 104% of the previous year’s projected gross tax revenue,unless the assessed valuations produce total revenue in an amount less than 104% of the said previous year’s 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 the 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.
Circuit Court Judge 6th Judicial Court — Division 4
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; because of the board’s current makeup, only one candidate can be elected from districts 1 or 2..
Board of Education — Unexpired Term
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.
Cabell County is part of the Guyan Conservation District. Incumbent supervisor Zackary Winters is running unopposed for reelection.
Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District — District 1
Gordon D. Jones
Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District — District 2
T- Anne See
Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District — District 3
Mary Thomas Durstein
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
Cabell 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 22
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 Democrats running for this seat.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 23
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.
Amanda Beth Beach-Burge
West Virginia House of Delegates District 24
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.
Steve Williams
West Virginia House of Delegates District 25
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 26
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 Democrats running for this seat.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 27
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 Senate District 4
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 5
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
Cabell 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 22
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.
Daniel Linville
Aaron Holley
West Virginia House of Delegates District 23
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 Worrell
West Virginia House of Delegates District 24
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.
Patrick Lucas
West Virginia House of Delegates District 25
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 26
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.
Matthew Rohrbach
Andrew G. Lowry
West Virginia House of Delegates District 27
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.
William Alex T. Caudill
West Virginia Senate District 4
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.
Eric J. Tarr
Phillip Surface
Travis Willard
West Virginia Senate District 5
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.
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 Cabell County races call the county clerk at 304-526-8625.
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.