West Virginia’s 2026 election was a national model for safe, secure, and accurate voting

PRESS RELEASE

The November 3rd General Election is now in the history books and West Virginia citizens can be proud of what they accomplished together. Once again, Mountain State voters demonstrated their commitment to self-government by participating in an election that was safe, secure, transparent, and efficiently administered from the first early vote to the final ballot count.

Elections cannot be assembled at the last minute. They are the result of thousands of hours of preparation by dedicated public servants committed to protecting every citizen’s right to vote.

While voters often experience Election Day as a single event, the reality is that successful elections require months of preparation. In West Virginia, planning for the 2026 election cycle began in the summer of 2025. The WV Secretary of State’s Office worked side by side with all 55 county clerks to review procedures, update voter education and training materials, and develop continuity of operations plans for every feasible scenario.

One of the most notable aspects of the 2026 General Election was the continued, measured use of modern voting systems in every county. Voting equipment that never connects to the internet provides accuracy, security, reliability, and statewide results on election night. These highly tested machines also produce printed, verifiable paper ballots for every voter, which are audited during the canvass to confirm results and give voters confidence.

The 2026 election also marked a historic milestone for civic engagement in West Virginia. For the first time in a General Election, 16- and 17-year-olds were permitted to serve as poll workers. Across the state, 120 young West Virginians stepped forward to assist voters, help manage polling places, and gain firsthand experience with the democratic process. Their participation not only provided valuable support to local election officials but also introduced a new generation to the importance of civic responsibility and public service.

These young poll workers joined a much larger election workforce. More than 8,200 poll workers were required to manage Election Day operations across all 55 counties. These citizens dedicated long hours to ensuring that polling places opened on time, voters received the assistance they needed, and election procedures were followed carefully. Their work is often unnoticed by the public, yet they remain the backbone of election administration throughout the state.

Another important milestone in 2026 was the implementation of West Virginia’s requirement that photo identification be presented at all voting precincts during a General Election. Election officials, county clerks, and poll workers worked diligently to educate voters about the requirement and ensure smooth implementation across the state. The result was an orderly process that strengthened voter confidence without affecting voters’ right to a free and fair election.

The scale and complexity of administering elections is often underappreciated. This year’s General Election required the design, proofing, approval, and management of 194 different ballot styles across West Virginia’s 55 counties. Differences in legislative districts, local races, levies, and ballot measures created unique ballot configurations that had to be accurately designed, programmed, tested, printed, and distributed. The successful tabulation of these ballots just hours after polls closed on Election Day reflects the professionalism and attention to detail demonstrated by our county clerks and election officials throughout the state.

I was proud to join 19 members of the Secretary of State’s Office in the field on Election Day, checking in with county election officials across all 55 counties. Their presence reinforced a simple principle: election administration works best when state and local officials communicate, collaborate, and remain accountable to the voters they serve. And that includes the Secretary of State.

Perhaps most importantly, the election proceeded without any significant irregularities or situations that could not be resolved promptly. The systems functioned as intended. Voters were able to cast their ballots. Election officials performed their duties, and results were reported in a transparent and orderly manner.

West Virginia continues to lead the nation in planning for and deploying safe and secure elections. The essential goal remains simple: that every eligible citizen has the opportunity and ability to vote, and every lawful ballot is counted once, and only once.

The success of the 2026 General Election stands as proof that with preparation, professionalism, and public confidence, democracy can continue to work exactly as it should. West Virginia continues to serve as a national model in how to prepare for and deploy safe, secure, and accurate elections. I thank the thousands of election officials and voters who turned out on November 3rd to do their part in electing our representative government.