WINFIELD, W.Va. — Nearly three dozen Putnam County high school students will vote at the courthouse in Winfield Thursday as part of a new program started by Putnam County Clerk Brian Wood.
School buses will transport the students from all four Putnam County high schools to the county’s early voting precinct. Wood said county clerks are required to go to high schools and help students register to vote but that often doesn’t result in actual voting.
“I want to give them a shot in the arm to let them know it’s important to vote and there’s a reason to vote,” Wood said. “Having an opportunity to vote so early in their life will give them an opportunity to have a perfect voting record.”
Wood admits the numbers Thursday will be modest, just 31 students, but he said it’s a start. Wood said the students previously signed up at their schools enabling them to become informed voters.
“We wanted to make sure there was a little bit of time between the time they signed up and the time they actually come to vote,” he said.
Early voting began across the state Wednesday. It’s become a popular option for thousands of state residents. Wood said he’s hopeful the first-time voters will have a lot their questions and fears answered Thursday.
“It’s not to difficult. It’s not too confusing. It’s not too scary. Just get in there and have their voices heard,” he said.