News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

WV House approves legislation requiring cities to hold elections on same day as state’s

Published

2 months ago

April 7, 2025

westvirginiawatch.com – Lori Kersey – 2025-04-07 13:24:00

by Lori Kersey, West Virginia Watch
April 7, 2025

The West Virginia House of Delegates has signed off on legislation that would require municipalities to hold their elections on the same day as state elections. Delegates passed Senate Bill 50 Monday with a vote of 96 to 2.

Supporters of the bill say requiring municipalities to have their elections along with state elections will save cities and towns money and encourage voter turnout. According to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, 113 municipalities across the state will have their elections in 2025, which is not a year for state elections.

Morgantown’s election, for instance, is scheduled for April 29. Bridgeport’s election will be June 10.

Under the version of the bill passed by the House, cities and towns have until 2028 to hold their elections on the same day as state elections. Delegates approved the change in a floor amendment offered by Del. Geno Chiarelli, R-Monongalia, on Friday.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously on March 3. In the Senate’s version of the bill, the deadline was 2032. Those who advocated for a later deadline have said that some municipalities established their election dates in their charter, and that changing the charters may require an election. Others argued that state law would supersede municipal law and allow cities and towns to change the dates sooner.

The Secretary of State’s Office also supported a later deadline, saying in a statement that it would allow more time for municipalities to conduct local redistricting for any conflicts with geographic, precinct and political districts. Redistricting is especially an issue for smaller municipalities, a spokesman for the office said.

Del. Larry Kump, R-Berkeley, spoke in support of the bill Monday, saying that in his district, Hedgesville and Martinsburg have low voter turnout because of “weird” election days.

“By mandating that all West Virginia elections are held on normal election dates, Senate Bill 50 will eliminate the taxpayer burden of holding these special elections, but importantly, will also increase voter awareness and election turnout,” Kump said.

He relayed a story about moving to West Virginia years ago and asking about cities’ having “weird” election days. He said he was told that the off-year elections entrench government officials by ensuring that their friends come out to vote for them but others stay home, unaware of the election.

The bill will now go back to the Senate to consider the change the House made to the bill.

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West Virginia Watch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. West Virginia Watch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Leann Ray for questions: info@westvirginiawatch.com.

The post WV House approves legislation requiring cities to hold elections on same day as state’s appeared first on westvirginiawatch.com

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June 15, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WCHS Eyewitness News – 2025-06-15 16:00:53

SUMMARY: Conflicts over transparency, politics, and influence were on full display during a recent West Virginia University Board of Governors meeting. Outgoing President Gordon Gee acknowledged deep divisions as members debated leadership and past decisions, including the presidential search process. Tensions rose after new legislation stripped voting rights from student, faculty, and staff representatives. Criticism centered on board member Harry Carey, a political appointee, accused of pushing partisan interests. The board narrowly elected Rusty Hudson as chair over longtime member Rick Pill. Gee called for unity amid mounting concerns about governance and political interference, as three more board appointments loom under Governor Morrissey.

Outgoing West Virginia University President Gordon Gee said during the WVU Board of Governors meeting on Friday that this is the first time, while at WVU, that there have been divisions among the board. From transparency issues to conflicts of interest to political interference, the fragments within the board were a theme throughout.

FULL STORY: https://wchstv.com/news/local/divisions-are-unhealthy-conflicts-within-wvu-bog-apparent-in-friday-meeting#nationalnews _________________________________________

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News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

Katie Frazier’s Saturday June 14th Weather Forecast: It’s going to be a rainy Father’s Day

Published

2 days ago

June 14, 2025

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www.youtube.com – WOAY TV – 2025-06-14 22:10:44

SUMMARY: Katie Frazier’s Saturday forecast warns of a rainy and muggy Father’s Day, with flash flood risks increasing Sunday into Monday, especially in flood-prone areas. Rain is expected across most counties starting Saturday night and continuing steadily through Sunday afternoon, affecting outdoor plans like barbecues. Fog is also likely overnight, reducing visibility Sunday morning. While no severe storms are forecast, flash flooding remains the primary concern. Temperatures will remain seasonally average in the mid-70s, with continued rain and humidity through Monday and into Thursday. Flexibility and umbrellas are advised for anyone celebrating outdoors this weekend and into the coming workweek.

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News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

Jay's 11 p.m. Weather for Friday 06/13/25

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www.youtube.com – WOAY TV – 2025-06-13 23:18:53

SUMMARY: Jay’s 11 p.m. weather update for Friday, 06/13/25, reports ongoing strong showers and thunderstorms in northern areas. The severe thunderstorm warning for northern Nicholas County was canceled as the storm moved out, but warnings remain for northern counties and a flash flood warning exists until 12:45 a.m. for west central Pocahontas County. Rain continues east into Greenbrier Valley and Virginia, with weakened storms in southern coal fields. More rounds of rain and storms are expected through Saturday and Monday, with heavy rain causing potential ponding and flooding. Highs will be in the upper 70s to mid-80s and lows in the 60s, making for a warm, wet weekend.

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