CHARLESTON, WV (WOAY) – The Fayette County Republican Executive Committee is asking the West Virginia State Election Commission to disqualify now-former Delegate Elliott Pritt from the ballot in November’s election.
Greg Ingram, Fayette County Republican chair, sent a letter to the commission this afternoon requesting that the commission disqualify Pritt from the ballot.
“He has not withdrawn from the October ballot for election to another term in the House of delegates. Delegate Pritt, being incarcerated at this time, is unavailable for discussion on the fall ballot issue, and unavailable to serve the people of West Virginia,” Ingram said in his letter.
Pritt is in federal custody, facing a charge of enticement of a minor. He is accused of sending and requesting sexually explicit images to a 15-year-old girl and engaging in sexual activity with her in a Fayette County classroom.
Pritt resigned from the House yesterday but has not withdrawn from the ballot. Under a state law passed by the Republican supermajority in 2024, the party would not be permitted to replace him if he withdrew.
Since he hasn’t withdrawn from the ballot as of the time of this broadcast, the State Election Commission can review Ingram’s letter and decide whether to rule him ineligible.
“(3) If a vacancy in nomination will be caused by the failure of a candidate to file for an office or by withdrawal of a candidate, the vacancy may not be filled.
(4) If a vacancy in nomination is caused by the disqualification of a candidate and the vacancy occurs not later than 84 days before the general election, a nominee may be appointed by the executive committee and certified to the proper filing officer not later than 78 days before the general election. A candidate may be determined disqualified if a written request is made by an individual with information to show a candidate’s ineligibility to the State Election Commission no later than 84 days before the general election explaining grounds why a candidate is not eligible to be placed on the general election ballot or not eligible to hold the office, if elected. The State Election Commission shall review the reasons for the request. If the commission finds the circumstances warrant the disqualification of the candidate, the commission shall authorize appointment by the executive committee to fill the vacancy. ” -West Virginia Code §3-5-19
The Fayette County Republican Executive Committee argues that Pritt would not be able to serve in any capacity since he is still behind bars. The committee wants a chance to provide an alternative candidate on the ballot.
This will enable the Fayette County Republican Party to replace David Elliott Pritt on the fall ballot with another well qualified candidate. The residents of Fayette County and the great state of West Virginia deserve to have a choice who will serve them for the next two years,” Ingram wrote.
The only other candidate currently on the ballot is Democrat Mathew Anderson.
Interested Fayette County Republicans living in District 50 will be able to apply to replace him, pending approval from the state election commission, until Aug. 2. The party says the application link will be made available soon.
You can read the full letter here:
