Dawes, West Virginia Public Records

Citizens, West Virginia residents, and at least 17 years old, though they must turn 18 by Election Day to cast a ballot. Online registration requires either a West Virginia driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. As an unincorporated community, Dawes holds no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Instead, residents participate in Kanawha County, state, and federal contests. County races include positions such as County Commission, Sheriff, County Clerk, Assessor, Prosecuting Attorney, and Circuit Clerk, typically scheduled for even-numbered years. West Virginia state legislative elections occur biennially for all 100 House of Delegates seats and half of the 34 State Senate seats. Local voters cast ballots in the state legislative districts that cover their section of Kanawha County. Finding the correct polling place is straightforward using the voter registration lookup tool at www.sos.wv.gov/elections. By entering a name and date of birth or county and voter registration number, residents can verify their registration status, polling location, and view sample ballots for upcoming contests. Polls across West Virginia operate from 6:30 a.m. To 7:30 p.m. On Election Day. The state requires voter ID; acceptable forms include a West Virginia driver's license or ID, U.S. Passport, employee ID from federal, state, or local government, student ID from a West Virginia high school or college, or a utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing name and address. Public election records in West Virginia cover voter registration lists available for purchase for political purposes, campaign finance reports searchable at www.cfrs.wv.gov for state candidates, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. The Secretary of State publishes election outcomes at www.sos.wv.gov/elections following each contest. In the November 2024 presidential election, Kanawha County reported approximately 78,000 votes cast, representing turnout of roughly 55% of registered voters, with detailed precinct results available through the Kanawha County Clerk. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature several significant races for residents of this community. U.S. Senate: West Virginia's Class II Senate seat will appear on the ballot, currently held by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (Republican), whose term expires in January 2027. Governor: West Virginia elects its governor to four-year terms in presidential election years, so the next gubernatorial election will be in 2028, not 2026. State Legislature: All 100 West Virginia House of Delegates seats will be contested, with two-year terms. Half of the 34 State Senate seats - 17 seats - will also be on the ballot for four-year terms. County offices: Depending on the election cycle, various Kanawha County positions may appear on the 2026 ballot, including County Commission seats and row offices. Primary elections in West Virginia are held in May, with the primary for 2026 scheduled for May 12, 2026. West Virginia offers absentee voting for voters who will be absent from their county on Election Day, those with illness or physical disability, those working during all polling hours, election officials working in other precincts, and those in jail or home confinement awaiting trial. Absentee ballot applications can be downloaded from the Secretary of State's website or requested from the Kanawha County Clerk. The application deadline is six days before the election. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by the close of polls on Election Day, either by mail with an Election Day postmark or hand-delivered to the Kanawha County Clerk's office. West Virginia does not offer no-excuse early voting; early in-person voting is available beginning 13 days before Election Day at designated early voting locations announced by the Kanawha County Clerk.