CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 100,000 West Virginians cast their ballot during the 10-day early voting period this Primary Election, a new record, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
In 2012, the last Presidential Primary, about 57,000 voted. In 2014, there were nearly 45,000 early votes; in 2010, that number was near 40,000; and in 2008, about 65,000 cast their vote.
During the early voting period, which extended from April 27 through May 7, about 5,000 absentee ballots were returned to county clerks for a total of 106,214.
Secretary of State Natalie Tennant said voters came from all 55 West Virginia counties.
“It’s a presidential year. It’s 2016. We know we’re going to have a new President no matter who it is,” she said of one reason why so many people took advantage of early voting.
Tennant said there’s been been a lot of hype this year, particularly among young voters.
“We’re seeing that enthusiasm among young people too and showing the importance of that,” she said. “I don’t really foresee folks stopping. There’s just been so much information out.”
That information includes Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, but Tennant said the state and local races are just as important.
“People know that their friends and neighbors are running and it does matter,” she said. “It matters who your sheriff is or your circuit judge. We’ve just seen so much interest all across the ballot.”
Sample ballots, information about the candidates, campaign finance reports and other information about voting can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.
The polls in West Virginia open Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.