West Virginia is taking the first step towards the 2020 election, kicking off early in-person voting on Wednesday, just 13 days before Election Day. This early voting period marks the beginning of a crucial stretch in the race, with the state’s Senate seat, vacated by Sen. Joe Manchin, serving as a bellwether for potential outcomes.
Manchin’s decision not to run for re-election has left the seat open for grabs, creating an opportunity for Republicans to solidify their hold on the Senate. Despite Manchin’s three-point victory in 2018, the state’s deep red lean, amplified by Donald Trump’s nearly 39-point win in the last presidential election, makes it a tough battle for Democrats. If Republicans secure this seat, they would be just one seat shy of a majority in the Senate. However, if Trump wins the presidency, the GOP would control the Senate regardless of a majority due to the Vice President’s tie-breaking vote.
Beyond the national spotlight, West Virginia’s early voting also signifies the start of numerous down-ballot races, adding another layer of intrigue to the election process.
For those looking to cast their vote in West Virginia, here’s a breakdown of the voting procedures:
Early In-Person Voting:
– Begins on Wednesday, October 28th and continues through November 2nd.
Absentee Voting:
– Started in late September and requires a valid excuse for receiving a ballot.
– Ballot applications must be submitted by October 30th, and the ballot itself must be submitted by November 5th.
Voter Registration:
– The voter registration deadline in West Virginia was October 15th.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, processes, and deadlines, please visit Vote.gov and the West Virginia election website.
As West Virginia sets the stage for the election, all eyes are on how voter turnout and these early votes will influence the national and state-level races. The state’s early voting period provides an early window into the potential trajectory of the 2020 election.
