All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Secretary of State offers guidance on absentee voting for the upcoming Primary Election

Charleston, W.Va –  Today, Secretary of State Mac Warner offered clarifying guidance on West Virginia’s laws to County Clerks and voters pertaining to the qualifications for eligibility to vote absentee in the 2022 Primary Election.  

Today’s release of guidance for absentee voting includes information regarding absentee voting by mail, military and overseas (UOCAVA) voters, electronic absentee for voters with certain disabilities, eligibility for the special absentee voting list and eligibility for emergency absentee voting. This guidance can be found at GoVoteWV.com

Regarding the release of this guidance, Secretary Warner said, “West Virginia has many different options to ensure every voter has the ability to cast a ballot in every election. Between our robust in-person voting options on Election Day and during the early voting period as well as our absentee and emergency opportunities, no voter will be disenfranchised from casting a ballot.”  

According to WV Secretary of State Mac Warner, legal eligibility to vote an absentee ballot in the 2022 election cycle remains unchanged in law. The only difference from the 2020 election cycle is the State is no longer under a “stay at home” Executive Order. COVID-19 continues to qualify as a medical reason to vote absentee, but only voters confined to their home or other location due to COVID-19 are eligible under that reason. 

Voters who are confined due to following CDC or medical professionals’ guidance to quarantine for their specific situations, including preexisting conditions, displaying virus symptoms, exposure to a positive individual, or personal quarantine for a medical reason, are eligible to vote absentee by mail. Any changes to the excuse-based procedures would require legislative action. 

Absentee Ballot Applications for the May 10th Primary Election are currently able to be accepted by the state’s 55 county clerks. The deadline to file an application is May 4th.  If you have questions contact your county clerk or the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at (304) 558-6000.  To learn more about the Absentee Ballot Application process visit GoVoteWV.com for more information.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.