Voters in southern West Virginia will have to make a decision relatively soon regarding who should be the Mountain State’s next governor. And they will have plenty of choices. Eight Republican candidates are vying for the state’s top post, along with six Democrats.
In all, 14 candidates have thrown their hats into a crowded ring for the upcoming special primary election.
The last day to register to vote in the May primary is April 25. Early voting will begin on April 29 and continue through May 11. The special primary election will be held on May 14. The general election will be held on Oct. 4.
Area residents who are not yet registered to vote for the special primary contest have just a little over a month to do so. If you aren’t registered to vote, or aren’t for sure about your voter registration status, call your local county clerk’s office soon. It is important for all voters to have a say in the upcoming primary contest — particularly given the large number of candidates who are vying for the state’s top job.
The candidates vying for the Democratic nomination include current Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin; West Virginia Speaker of the House Rick Thompson; Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant; Acting Senate President Jeffery V. Kessler; State Treasurer John D. Perdue; and Concerned Citizens spokesman and South Charleston resident Arne Moltis.
The candidates vying for the Republican nomination include Sen. Clark Barnes, R-Randolph; former Secretary of State Betty Ireland; Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney Mark A. Sorsaia; Inwood Realtor Larry V. Faircloth; Delegate Mitch B. Carmichael, R-Jackson; West Virginia University Philosophy Department Chair Ralph William Clark; Mine Safety and Health Specialist Cliff Ellis; and Morgantown businessman Bill Maloney.
With this many candidates on the ballot, voters need to start educating themselves early about the candidates and their individual platforms, including their specific plans for southern West Virginia.
Historically, special primaries have a lower than normal voter turnout because of the reduced number of races or issues resulting in less attention, according to Mercer County Clerk Verlin Moye. That shouldn’t be the case this year. With 14 candidates seeking the state’s top job, voter interest will, we hope, be magnified in the upcoming primary contest.
All residents of the Mountain State should exercise their civic duty by voting and having a say in who will be the next governor of the great state of West Virginia.
And it’s not too early to start thinking about the upcoming special primary contest.
Editorials
March 22, 2011
Gubernatorial election: Important deadlines approaching
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