CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Secretary of State Kris Warner credits members of his staff with helping get the state’s new photo ID voter identification bill to the desk of Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
Morrisey signed the bill into law. There was as ceremonial bill signing Thursday.
Warner said Chief of Staff Deak Kersey and Chief Counsel Dave Cook helped shepherd the bill through the process.
“They just did it all,” Warner said during an appearance on MetroNews Midday. “They did a great job and that’s what got this, quite frankly, pushed across the line.”
Warner said they worked to educate legislators about the bill.
“We educated and we got it passed and the governor signed it.” Warner said.
Morrisey called the bill commonsense legislation before he signed it Thursday.
“You need a photo ID to drive a car, purchase alcohol and get on a plane, why shouldn’t you need one to vote in an election?”
The new law does provide several exemptions.
Because there are municipal elections in the coming weeks, Warner said it’s important to point out that the new law doesn’t take effect until July 11.
“The old law still applies for all 100 municipal elections being held this month and in June,” Warner said.
The first time the new law will impact voters is the May 2026 election. Warner said there’s work to do between now and then.
“We’re going to work starting immediately to provide guidance for the voters and the election officials heading into the 2026 election cycle,” Warner said.
The new law says several different forms of photo ID are acceptable including:
–A valid West Virginia driver’s license or valid West Virginia identification card issued by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles.
–A valid driver’s license issued by a state other than the State of West Virginia.
–A valid United States passport or passport card.
–A valid employee identification card with a photograph of the eligible voter issued by the United States Government or of the State of West Virginia, or by any county, municipality, board, authority, or other political subdivision of West Virginia.
–A valid student identification card with a photograph of the eligible voter issued by an institution of higher education in West Virginia by a West Virginia high school.
–A valid military identification card issued by the United States with a photograph of the person desiring to vote.
–A valid voter registration card that includes the voter’s photograph issued by a county clerk in the State of West Virginia or the Secretary of State.