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Warner assures safety of West Virginia voting

WEIRTON — West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner says the safety of the voting process in the state has been among the biggest topics of conversation this campaign season, and we wants to assure voters their ballots are safe no matter which method they choose.

Warner, who is seeking re-election as the state’s top elections official, was in Weirton Saturday, helping to lead a “Trump Train” event as it made its way through much of the Northern Panhandle.

“This election is lining up to be just as good as the primary,” Warner said.

As of Sept. 22, there have been 79,140 West Virginia voters request absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 general election.

The state has 1,246,879 registered voters.

Warner touted his office’s online voter portal, located at govotewv.com, which can assist residents with checking the status of their voter registration, registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot, as well as finding a list of candidates and a directory of county clerks offices, among other services.

While West Virginia is not defined as a “vote by mail” state, voters may request absentee ballots be mailed to them, either by going to their county clerk’s office or through the Secretary of State’s Office.

There also is an in-person early voting period, and electronic options for members of the military or American citizens living overseas.

“West Virginia has more ways to vote than any other state,” Warner said, noting the state has become an example for others, with officials in South Carolina, Utah, Colorado and other states looking to copy West Virginia’s elections programs.

The state has several checks and balances to ensure votes are cast properly and by those registered, Warner said.

As for Election Day itself, Warner said all of the state’s 1,700 precinct locations are set to be open for those wishing to vote in person, and precautions are being taken against the potential spread of COVID-19, including donations of hand sanitizer from Anheuser-Busch.

In the meantime, if voters have questions or concerns, Warner said to make sure to go to official sources for information on the election calendar or any voting processes.

“Don’t rely on Facebook and social media,” Warner said. “Go to the county clerk.”

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