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 Tyler County
In Tyler 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 Tyler County, call the County Clerk at 304-758-2102 ext. 3.
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 Tyler County will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place by entering your information here.
Tyler County levies
Fire protection levy
Tyler County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax of .72 to 2.880 cents for every $100 of assessed property to fund the county’s fire departments. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
An election to authorize additional levies for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2026; July 1, 2027; July 1, 2028; July 1, 2029; for the purposes and annual amounts set forth as follows:
I. To purchase new vehicles and equipment used in providing fire protection service to the residents of Tyler County in the approximate annual amount of $132,928.70 each to Alma, Middlebourne, Shirley and Sistersville fire departments, and $72,528.40 to Paden City fire department.
II. For maintenance and upkeep of buildings,vehicles and equipment used in providing fire protection service to the residents of Tyler County in the approximate annual amount of $18,887.60 each to Alma, Middlebourne, Shirley and Sistersville fire departments.
III. For training and educational materials for the use of fire protection service personnel in Tyler County in the approximate annual amount of$16,621.09 each to Alma, Middlebourne, Shirley and Sistersville fire departments, and $9,066.04 to Paden City fire department.
IV. In the event the separate and aggregate assessed value of each class of taxable property within Tyler County increases during the term of this additional levy, the levy rates shall be reduced so that the projected tax collection will not exceed $755,504.00 in any fiscal year. In the event that any of these fire departments should become defunct during the term of this additional levy, or in the event that additional fire departments are established or any fire department is re-established during the term of this additional levy, or in the event that tax collections fall short of the projected annual amounts based on a decrease of the separate and aggregate assessed value of taxable property during the term of this additional levy, or for any other circumstance, the County Commission shall have the discretion to reduce, increase or reallocate the appropriation of the funds raised by this additional levy among the foregoing purposes and fire departments.The annual total approximate amount necessary to carry out the above purposes, after making due allowance for discounts, delinquencies,exonerations and uncollectable taxes is$755,504.00
The total approximate amount necessary to carryout the above purposes, during the four ( 4) year term of this levy, after making due allowances for discounts, delinquencies, exonerations and uncollectable taxes is $3,022,016.00.
No bonds shall be issued by the County Commission upon approval of the proposed increased levy.
The additional levy shall be on Class I property 0. 720 cents; on Class II property 1.440 cents; on Class III property 2.880 cents; and on Class IV property 2.880 cents; per $100.00 assessed valuation. All according to the Order of the Commission of the County of Tyler entered on the 13th day of January, 2026.
School levy
Tyler County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax of 22.95 to 91.8 cents for every $100 of assessed property to fund the county’s public school system. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
Special election to authorize renewal of additional levies for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2028, July 1, 2029, July 1, 2030, July 1, 2031, and July 1, 2032 in the approximate average amount of $24,539,710, annually, and that the purposes for which funds are needed in order to maintain and improve the instructional programs and the operation of school services in the Tyler County School District, are as follows:
a. To provide instructional materials including,but not limited to, textbooks, workbooks, computer software, other instructional materials,supplies and equipment for all students emailed in Tyler County Schools in the annual approximate amount of $1,900,000.
b. To further upgrade our educational curriculum by providing Library/Media supplies, books, equipment and services to include an allocation of $39,000 each to the Middlebourne and Sistersville public libraries. Total library allocation in the approximate annual amount of $550,000.
c. To improve access to technology through the purchase of hardware, software, infrastructure, repairs, training and tech support personnel in the approximate annual amount of $1,900,000.
d. To provide for capital improvement,renovations and repair, maintenance of facilities necessary for safe and efficient operation in the approximate annual amount of $2,400,000.
e. To provide a safe, efficient, and adequate transportation system for the school children of Tyler County through the purchase of transportation equipment, parts and services in the approximate annual amount of $990,000.
f. To continue to provide a Dental/Optical Benefit plan for all personnel in the approximate annual amount of $280,000.
g. To enhance the instructional program of Tyler County Schools by employing and retaining qualified teachers, service personnel, and administrative staff through the maintenance of competitive salaries and benefits, in an approximate annual amount of $13,769,710.
h. To provide curricular and extra-curricular salary support for academic and athletic coaches in the approximate annual amount of $300,000.
i. To supplement the child nutrition budget to provide free breakfast and hot lunch to all students of Tyler County Schools in the annual approximate amount of $650,000.
j. To support the physical and mental well-being and the safety and security of all students and staff by providing necessary services and equipment, including the employment of public resource officers, school nurses, guidance counselors, and a social worker, in the approximate annual amount of $1,800,000.
The amounts set forth above are the anticipated average annual amounts for each purpose. The actual amounts 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 and valid itemized purposes.
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 five (5) fiscal years, the unused portion of such funds may be allocated by the Board of Education of the County of Tyler, in its discretion and expended for any one or more of the remaining purposes.
The Board of Education of the County of Tyler reserves unto itself as the levying body the right and authority to reduce the rates of the 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 Board of Education of the County of Tyler, in its sole discretion, is hereby authorized and empowered to expend, during the term of this levy, the surplus, if any, occurring in excess of the amounts needed for any of the above state purposes, plus excess collections due to increased assessed valuations for the enrichment, supplementation and improvement of education services and/or facilities in the public schools in the County of Tyler. In the event that the amount collected is less than the amounts noted for the above purposes for any one or more fiscal years, the Board of Education of the County of Tyler is hereby authorized and empowered to determine, in its discretion, which one or more of the enumerated purposes set forth above shall be reduced for each such fiscal year, and the amount of each such reduction for such fiscal year, provided that the total of all such reductions shall not exceed the amount of such collection shortfall for such fiscal year.
That should additional money be obtained by grant or otherwise from the state or federal government or any other source such additional money may be used either in substitution for or in addition to the amount obtained from this levy.That the total approximate amount for said purpose or purposes, during the term of the five-year levy, after making due allowances for exonerations, discounts, and delinquent taxes is$24,539,710 annually or a total amount for the next five (5) year period of $122,698,550, all pursuant to the Order of the Board of Education of the County of Tyler entered on the 13th day of January, 2026.
The continuation of additional levies, in cents per $100 of assessed value on each class of property, shall be on Class I property 22.95 cents; Class II property 45.90 cents; Class III property 91.80 cents; Class IV property 91.80 cents
Emergency medical services levy
Tyler County voters will decide whether to add an additional temporary tax of .36 to 1.44 cents for every $100 of assessed property to fund the county’s emergency medical services. Here’s the language as it appears on the ballot:
An election to authorize additional levies for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2026; July 1, 2027; July 1, 2028; July 1, 2029; for the purposes and annual amounts set forth as follows:
I. To purchase, repair and maintain buildings,vehicles, equipment, fuel and medical supplies used in providing emergency medical services in Tyler County
ll. In the event the separate and aggregate assessed value of each class of taxable property within Tyler County increases during the term of this additional levy, the levy rates shall be reduced so that the projected tax collection will not exceed $377,750 in any fiscal year. The County Commission shall have the discretion to allocate, reduce, increase or reallocate the appropriation of the funds raised by this additional levy among the foregoing purposes and among emergency medical services organizations operating within Tyler County. The annual total approximate amount necessary to carry out the above purposes, after making due allowance for discounts, delinquencies,exonerations and uncollectable taxes is$377,750.
The total approximate amount necessary to carryout the above purposes, during the four ( 4) year term of this levy, after making due allowances for discounts, delinquencies, exonerations and uncollectable taxes is $1,511,000. No bonds shall be issued by the County Commission upon approval of the proposed increased levy.The additional levy shall be on Class I property 0.360 cents; on Class II property 0.720 cents; on Class III property 1.440 cents; and on Class IV property 1.440 cents; per $100.00 assessed valuation.
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 select 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.
Tyler County is part of the Upper Ohio Conservation District. Incumbent supervisor Wayne McKeever is running unopposed for the seat.
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
Tyler 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 8
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 9
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 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
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.
There are no Democrats running for this position.
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
Tyler 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 8
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.
Bill Bell
Steven L. Smith
West Virginia House of Delegates District 9
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.
Betsy J. Kelly
Mark Kimball
Scott McGraw
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
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 Tyler County races call the county clerk at 304-758-2102 ext. 3.
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.