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The upcoming election is an important one here in the Northern Panhandle -- and also throughout West Virginia. From selecting party nominees for various offices to choosing new council members and mayors in our municipalities, the decisions made over the next few weeks that culminate on Election Day, May 14, are important for our future.
West Virginia's early voting system provides an excellent option for those who want to ensure they participate in balloting but worry they may not be able to do so on Election Day. This year, it is especially appealing, given the election's importance.
Early voting begins today and runs through May 11. Eligible voters can show up during the scheduled hours and vote, for any reason. Voters should have ID with them when they go to vote.
Here are the early voting hours, by county:
– Ohio County -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the City-County Building;
– Marshall County -- 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays at the courthouse;
– Brooke County -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the courthouse;
– Hancock County -- 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays at the courthouse;
– Wetzel County --9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays at the courthouse;
– Tyler County -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the courthouse, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Outside of the contested races for offices such as mayor of Wheeling, Ohio County Sheriff, U.S. Senate, Congress, governor and others, there are other items on the ballot that should have folks interested in voting. Ohio County Schools, for example, has up for renewal is excess levy, which provides $23 million to the system for security, salaries and other items, and the Ohio County Public Library has a $1 million levy on the ballot. The Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority has levies on the ballot in Wheeling, Bethlehem and Benwood to continue bus service in those communities. We ask residents to vote for all the levies this year to help our communities continue to prosper.
There's no reason to sit this one out, folks. Voting is simple, and can be done at your convenience over the next 11 days at your county courthouse or on May 14, Election Day, at your precinct. Do your duty and get out and vote.