CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Secretary of State Kris Warner on Thursday issued a Public Notice announcing that a proposed amendment to the West Virginia Constitution will appear on the November 3rd General Election ballot. The amendment, authorized under Senate Joint Resolution 9, concerns voter eligibility and citizenship requirements for elections held in the state.
Titled “Amendment 1: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in West Virginia Elections Amendment,” the proposal would clarify that only citizens of the United States who are citizens of West Virginia are qualified to vote in state elections.
The full text of the amendment outlines existing disqualifications, including minors, individuals declared mentally incompetent by a court, persons convicted of treason, felony or election bribery, and those who have not met the 30‑day residency requirement for both the state and county in which they intend to vote. It also specifies that members of the U.S. military stationed in West Virginia are not considered state residents solely due to their assignment.
Warner said the notice fulfills the state’s constitutional requirement to inform voters ahead of the election and ensures residents have access to the full language of the proposed change before casting their ballots.
The amendment will be presented to voters statewide on November 3, where it will require approval by a majority of those voting on the measure.
