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HB 2077

To require voters to include either their West Virginia driver’s license number or any alternative identification information authorized by the West Virginia Secretary of State on their absentee ballot applications

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Hillenbrand and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 2077 requires West Virginia voters to provide ID, like a driver's license number, on absentee ballot applications to enhance voting integrity and reduce fraud.

To House Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2077

Summary of House Bill 2077

Bill Number: HB 2077
Title: To require voters to include either their West Virginia driver’s license number or any alternative identification information authorized by the West Virginia Secretary of State on their absentee ballot applications
Status: To House Judiciary
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Elections

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2077 aims to enhance the integrity of absentee voting in West Virginia by requiring voters to provide identification information when applying for absentee ballots. The bill mandates that applicants include either their West Virginia driver's license number or an alternative form of identification as authorized by the West Virginia Secretary of State.

Key Provisions

  • Identification Requirement:
    Voters must submit a copy of either their West Virginia driver's license or any alternative identification information approved by the Secretary of State when applying for an absentee ballot. This requirement is intended to verify the identity of voters and reduce the potential for fraud in absentee voting.

  • Application Process:
    The bill amends §3-3-2 of the Code of West Virginia, which outlines the procedures for absentee voting applications. The updated process will include:

    • The completed application must contain personal information such as the voter's name, date of birth, political affiliation, and residence address.
    • The application must also specify the address to which the ballot should be mailed and the reason for requesting an absentee ballot.
    • Voters with disabilities or those participating in the Address Confidentiality Program will have specific provisions to facilitate their applications.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Voters:
    All individuals wishing to vote absentee in West Virginia will need to comply with the new identification requirements. This includes residents applying for absentee ballots for primary, general, or special elections.

  • Election Officials:
    County clerks and municipal recorders will be responsible for implementing the new requirements and ensuring that absentee ballot applications are processed in accordance with the updated law.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • The bill was filed for introduction on February 12, 2025, and was immediately referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
    • As of the introduction date, no further actions have been recorded.

Conclusion

House Bill 2077 seeks to strengthen the absentee voting process in West Virginia by instituting a requirement for voter identification on absentee ballot applications. By mandating the inclusion of a driver's license number or alternative identification, the bill aims to enhance voter verification and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

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

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