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Bill

HB 4600

Require all ballots for primary and general elections be received not later than the close of the polls on election day.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Cannon and 7 co-sponsors

West Virginia bill eliminates mail ballot receipt grace period, requiring all ballots arrive by poll closing time on election day, restricting voting access for rural, military, elderly, and disabled voters.

On 1st reading, Special Calendar
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4600

Legislative bill overview

HB 4600 would require all ballots cast in West Virginia's primary and general elections to be received by the close of polls on election day, effectively eliminating or severely restricting mail-in voting windows. Currently, West Virginia allows ballots received up to several days after election day to be counted if properly postmarked. This bill would impose a hard deadline matching in-person voting hours.

Why is this important

This directly affects voting access and election administration. Approximately 25-30% of West Virginia voters use absentee/mail-in ballots. The change could disenfranchise voters with mail delivery delays, those in rural areas with slower postal service, elderly voters, military personnel, and citizens with disabilities who rely on mail voting. It also impacts election officials' logistics and could increase litigation over ballot receipt timing.

Potential points of contention

  • Postal service reliability: Rural and remote areas experience variable mail delivery times beyond voter control; ballots mailed timely could arrive after polls close
  • Vulnerable populations: Military voters overseas, elderly citizens, voters with disabilities, and those in underserved areas would face disproportionate barriers to participation
  • Election administration burden: Eliminates grace periods that currently help accommodate postal delays and reduce post-election disputes; could increase provisional ballots and litigation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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