MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — More than 13,500 voters cast ballots during the 10-day early voting period in Monongalia County topping 2022 midterm numbers.
Monongalia County Democratic Executive Committee Chairman Cal Carlson noted his party cast the most ballots during the early period with about 6,200 and said it’s a sign voters are seeking change.
“I think people are fired up about everything going in our state and nation,” Carlson said. “Folks are looking for a change. Folks are looking for answers to rising utility rates, rising gas prices, and cost of living increases.”
Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Dale Sparks said GOP policies have resulted in strong growth across the state. He expects the Republican vote to be a validation of the direction the state headed in.
“North Central West Virginia is the economic hub of the state, and we have to keep that going,” Sparks said.
Carlson said voters believe the Democrats will provide the best firewall against changes for health care included in the Big Beautiful Bill.
“Our rural areas are health care deserts, and if we don’t elect folks that are going to help solve this, our state is going to continue to suffer,” Carlson said.
Monongalia County Republicans cast about 4,100 early ballots compared to about 6,200 for the Democrats, but Sparks believes his party has been waiting for election day.
“We’re positive that we have a good start on this and that voters will get out and turnout,” Sparks said. “Republicans will turnout, and I predict they will be heavy tomorrow because that’s the tradition of the Republican Party: to vote on election day.”
Carlson predicts many unaffiliated voters will vote with Democrats Tuesday. He said many voters feel snubbed by the GOP with their closed primary policies, and many of those voters will respond by voting Democrat.
“Based on what I’m hearing when I’m knocking on doors and making phone calls and what many candidates are hearing, the Independents are fired up,” Carlson said. “And they are not voting for the Republican party. They are voting for the Democrats who welcomed them.”
“The Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee fought against that,” Sparks said. “We were the first ones to come out with a resolution to reopen the primaries. The powers are to be closed. We wanted it back open.”