Who’s On The Ballot
In the upcoming election, Charles Town residents will vote for Mayor and 5 City Council seats:
- Mayor (4 year term): Todd Coyle or Bob Trainor
- Council – Ward 1 (4 year term): Chet Hines or Elizabeth C. Ricketts
- Council – Ward 2 (4 year term): Jeff Hynes or Kevin Tester
- Council – Ward 3 (4 year term): Julie Philabaum
- Council – Ward 4 (4 year term): Steve Rodgers & Rikki Twyford
- Council – Ward 4 (term ending 2023): Micheal George
The elected candidates will take office on June 22. A revised City Charter is also on the ballot for voter consideration. For additional candidate and Charter information, visit the City’s website (CharlesTownWV.us/city-elections).
Register To Vote
May 6 is the last day to register to vote. Visit the website GoVoteWV.com to register (blue “register to vote” button) or confirm that your registration is active.
How To Vote in the Election
Remember to bring a valid form of ID. See below for more information about voter ID.
Vote Absentee
May 21 is the last day to request an Absentee ballot. Call Carolyn Vezzosi, Assistant Clerk at 304-724-3250 or email to CVezzosi@CharlestownWV.us to submit a request. You can also download an absentee ballot request from the WV Secretary of State’s website (GoVoteWV.com & click the red “absentee voting” button). Military and overseas voters should visit FVAP.gov to request a ballot.
Concern for COVID-19 exposure is a valid medical reason for requesting an absentee ballot (check the first box in section 4-A of the application).
Mail your absentee ballot so it is postmarked by May 27 (or earlier) to City of Charles Town, Clerk’s Office, 101 E Washington St, Charles Town, 25414.
You may also drop off your absentee ballot in-person during office hours by Monday, May 26 (or earlier) at the Clerk’s office in City Hall (101 E Washington St, Charles Town). You may drop off your own ballot and 1 other person’s ballot (e.g. spouse, parent, child).
If you request an absentee ballot and decide to vote in person, bring the absentee ballot with you to the polling place on Election Day to exchange it for a standard ballot (otherwise you will be directed to cast a provisional ballot).
Vote In Person – Early
You can vote early at City Hall (101 E Washington St, Charles Town) during the hours of 9 am to 5 pm on May 14-15, May 17-22, and May 24. See Voting ID requirements for what to bring when you vote.
Vote In Person – On Election Day
Election day is THURSDAY, May 27. Voting will take place at City Hall (101 E Washington St, Charles Town), from 6:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening.
The area within 100 feet of the entrance to a WV polling place is a “campaign-free zone” — to avoid being challenged, don’t wear any buttons, hats, shirts, etc. for/against any candidate or issue within the area indicated by the posted signs.
Voter ID – What To Bring
Voters in WV should expect to show a valid and non-expired ID to vote. This ID can be any of the following:
- Voter registration card
- WV driver license or DMV ID card
- Driver’s license from other state
- US Military ID card
- Government employee ID (US or WV)
- Student ID
- Concealed carry permit
- Bank or debit card
- Utility bill or bank statement in your name (dated January or later)
- Health insurance card
- Medicare card
- WV Medicaid card
- Social Security card or Birth Certificate
- WV hunting or fishing license
- WV SNAP ID card or WV TANF ID card
If you are a first-time WV voter, you will need to show proof of residence at your voting address. Bring an ID (with photo and address) from the above list or a photo ID and recent utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck.
If you do not have a valid ID or your ID is not accepted — ask for a provisional ballot. You may still obtain a regular ballot if an adult (with valid ID) accompanying you can sign an affidavit or if a poll worker confirms to have known you for 6 months.
Visit GoVoteWV.com for more information about voter identification information.
By Staff Contributor