Elections
The Secretary of State's Office is committed to ensuring that elections are administered legally and fairly, to the fullest extent provided by law.
Notary Public
Notaries Public serve a very important function in the prevention of fraudulent business transactions and legal filings.
Private Investigators
The certification and licensing of private investigators and the firms that employ them is administered by the Secretary of State's Office.
The West Virginia Secretary of State's Investigations Unit investigates complaints or allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct that involve or give rise to fraud or abuse within the programs or operations of the Secretary of State's office.
Traditionally, the majority of the work for the Investigations Unit has been possible violations of the state's election laws and maintaining compliance with the statutory requirements for charities soliciting donations from West Virginia citizens.
To report fraud or abuse, contact us via the:
Fraud Hot Line
When you contact the Investigations Unit, please provide as much detail as possible. Please include your contact information as an investigator may need to reach you for additional information. All reports will be kept confidential.
Helpful information to include in your report
- Who committed the fraud? (name, address, phone number, email address, and the individual's description)
- What did the individual do; what fraud is suspected?
- Where did the fraud take place?
- When did it happen?
- How was the fraud committed?
- Who else has knowledge of the fraud?
To file a formal complaint, complete and submit one of the following:
*WV Code §3-1-50(a)(3) requires any elections-related complaint filed under these procedures shall be in writing, notarized, and signed and sworn by the person filing the complaint.
The Secretary of State's Office has statutory authority over the regulation of elections, notaries, the licensing of private investigators, and charitable solicitations. The Investigations Unit is the office that investigates violations in these areas.
Business
The Secretary of State maintains the official state records of legal entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, voluntary associations, business trusts, and unincorporated non-profit associations.
If you have concerns regarding the formation, change, or termination of a legal entity, please fill out a complaint.
Charities
Registration and regulation of charitable organizations that intend to receive contributions from the public, government grants, and private foundations within West Virginia.
If you believe a charitable organization or professional fundraiser is acting in violation of the law, please fill out a complaint.
Elections
As the chief elections official for the State, the Secretary of State is responsible for ensuring fair, smooth, and organized elections.
If you believe any Election Official, Polling Place, Poll Worker, or anyone associated with the elections process is acting in violation of the law, please fill out a complaint.
Notary Public
It is the responsibility of this office to regulate the licensing of all Notaries Public within the state. Please contact our Investigations Unit should you have any concerns or complaints regarding the actions of a notary.
If you believe a Notary Public is acting in violation of the law, please fill out a complaint.
Private Investigators
Compliance within the code that governs private investigators and hiring firms is considered a primary concern because of the important use of these professionals in the legal field.
If you believe a Private Investigation Firm, Private Investigator, Security Firm, or Security Guard is acting in violation of the law, please fill out a complaint.
