WINFIELD, W.Va. — Tuesday is the deadline to register to vote in the May 13 Primary election.
It will be the first time voters in Putnam County go to the polls with a new address. Those address changes, forced by the county’s 911 system, need to be changed on the voter registration rolls, but they will no impede a voter from casting a ballot.
“Hopefully making it easier on those voters who’ve not updated their 911 address yet, we can do it right there in the poll book,” said Putnam County Clerk Brian Wood. “We’ll then take that information and transfer it to the statewide voter registration system.”
Poll workers in Putnam County will be trained on the change of address procedure. Voters can mention they have a new street address, but since they haven’t moved they’ll not have a change in precinct. Wood said they can make the change at the polls, but it requires a signature by the voter.
“This is the first election since the 911 addressing has come into play,” he said. “We’ll be willing to help those voters out in any way we can to update their information.”
Those who change their address at the polls will get a new voter registration card in the mail.
Wood said for those registering for the first time to vote, it’s probably best to come to the courthouse and fill out the paper work. He said it doesn’t take much time or effort.
“It’s just a matter of filling out a little form and signing your name,” he said.
Wood doesn’t expect a rush to register for this year’s election since he’s not sensing a lot of excitement about the vote in May.