State Election Commission

West Virginia State Election Commission

The State Election Commission was created in 1941. Originally established to approve voting machines and devices to be used in elections in West Virginia, the duties have since increased to include the regulation of campaign finance for candidates and political action committees and to serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary of State. The commission is also responsible for providing nonpartisan educational materials to voters and local officials responsible for the implementation of the state election laws.

The commission is a bipartisan body composed of two Democrats and two Republicans appointed by the Governor for six-year terms, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary of State is an ex officio member. The commission elects its own chair for a term of two years. The members serve without compensation but receive actual traveling expenses.