Charleston, WV (WOAY) The official Candidate Filing Period for West Virginia’s May 12 Primary Election starts next week.
Registered voters interested in running for public office in 2026 must file on or between Monday, January 12, and Saturday, January 31.
Candidates running for statewide and legislative offices, state executive committee, and judicial offices must file with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Those running for offices filled by voters in a single county, such as county commission, magistrate, and district-level political party executive committees, must file with the County Clerk.
Candidates have the option to file either in person or by mail.
Those mailing Certificates of Announcements to the County Clerk or the WV Secretary of State must have submissions postmarked by the U.S Postal Service on or before Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Candidates are required to pay their fees upon filing; otherwise, their submission will be rejected.
Additionally, candidates whose political party affiliations or residence addresses do not match their official voter registration records are subject to rejection.
For more information on elections, such as how to register to vote or how to update your voter registration, please visit GoVoteWV.com.
