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HB 2422

Require all municipal elections be held on the same election day in November that other state elections are on

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jarred Cannon and 7 co-sponsors

HB 2422 requires West Virginia municipal elections to align with state elections, boosting voter turnout and cutting administrative costs for local governments.

To House Government Organization
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Bill Summary · HB 2422

Summary of House Bill 2422

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 2422
  • Title: Require all municipal elections to be held on the same election day in November that other state elections are on
  • Status: To House Government Organization
  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Elections

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2422 aims to standardize the scheduling of municipal elections in West Virginia by requiring that they be held concurrently with regularly scheduled primary or general elections. This change is intended to streamline the electoral process, increase voter participation, and reduce administrative costs associated with holding separate municipal elections.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Code: The bill seeks to amend and reenact §3-1-31 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931.
  • Election Scheduling:
    • Municipal elections must be held on the same day as statewide primary or general elections.
    • Municipalities may negotiate agreements with county commissions regarding election dates, officials, and registration books.
  • Cost Sharing:
    • Municipalities that choose to hold elections concurrently with state elections will share in the administrative costs.
    • The municipality's share of costs will be based on its proportion of registered voters compared to the total registered voters in the county.
  • Poll Hours: The bill maintains that polls will open at 6:30 AM and close at 7:30 PM on election days.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:
    • Municipal governments will be directly impacted as they will need to align their election schedules with state elections.
    • Voters may benefit from increased convenience and potentially higher turnout due to the consolidation of election days.
  • Administrative Efficiency: The bill is expected to reduce the administrative burden on local governments by minimizing the number of separate elections held throughout the year.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Journey:
    • The bill was introduced on February 17, 2025, and has been referred to the House Government Organization Committee and the Judiciary Committee.
    • The bill's progress will be monitored as it moves through the legislative process.

In summary, HB 2422 seeks to enhance the electoral process in West Virginia by synchronizing municipal elections with state elections, thereby promoting efficiency and potentially increasing voter engagement.

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

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