West Virginia Bill Aims to Revamp Local Election Dates
This bill could change the dates of future city and town elections
The Journal | Wednesday, April 9, 2025
In a significant move for local governance, a new bill passed by the West Virginia legislature aims to align city elections with statewide elections to enhance voter participation. The bill, SB50, allows municipalities like Martinsburg to adjust their election dates by 2028 instead of 2030 or 2032, addressing historically low voter turnout seen in recent local elections. Delegate Larry Kump has championed this change, citing examples from towns such as Hedgesville and Martinsburg, emphasizing the need to break away from outdated electoral practices and increase engagement in local democracy. The initiative, covered by The Journal, could reshape voting landscapes in the region, particularly as towns prepare for their municipal elections.