Early voting opens ahead of May 14 West Virginia primary election
Ohio County residents can cast their ballots from May 1 through May 4, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from May 6 through May 11, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the city-county building in downtown Wheeling.
The time is upon us, West Virginians! Voting has begun for the May 14, 2024, primary election. Voters will decide in partisan races which candidates should move on to the November 3 general election. More importantly, in some regards, voters are also deciding which candidates will WIN their election in the nonpartisan races.
Early voting officially began on May 1 and will run through May 11.
Ohio County residents can cast their ballots early at the city-county building at 1500 Chapline Street. Polls are open Wednesday, May 1 through Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and again from Monday, May 6 through Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This reporter cast his ballot on the first day of early voting around 1:00 p.m. There was no line, staff were friendly, and voting took approximately five minutes. We encourage you to take the stress out of elections and cast your ballot as soon as possible!
Wheeling Free Press planned to publish a voter guide, but another publication beat us to the punchline in the best way possible.
Mountain State Spotlight released their 2024 voter guide on April 26, 2024. It is evident that a lot of care and time went in to crafting this tool for voters. It is extremely user friendly and thoroughly explains almost everything on the ballot.
Wheeling Free Press strongly encourages all voters to review Mountain State Spotlight’s voter guide before heading to the polls.
The only thing missing from this voter guide is an explanation of three levies on the ballot. Here is a brief description of what they mean.
First, it’s important to note that none of these levies will raise taxes. Instead, voters will approve or deny the continuation of already existing funds.
Each levy allows voting FOR or AGAINST. A vote FOR the levy will re-authorize funds. A vote AGAINST would see those funds eliminated.
Ohio County Schools is seeking re-authorization of a levy to fund instructional materials, maintenance, salaries and benefits, support to community services and agencies, and school safety. If approved, county schools would receive an estimated $23,000,000 over the next four years, ending on July 1, 2028.
Ohio County Schools is also seeking re-authorization of a levy to support the Ohio County Public Library. If approved, the library would see an estimated $1,066,000 in funds over the next four year, ending on July 1, 2028.
The Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority (OVRTA) is seeking re-authorization of a levy to continue Wheeling’s portion of support of the area’s public buses. If approved, funds would support acquiring capital equipment and facilities associated with OVRTA.
So, West Virginia, the time is now! Get to the polls while you can and have your voice heard. The sooner you go, the more likely you are to avoid lines. Wheeling Free Press strongly encourages all of our readers, subscribers, and supporters to participate in this election.