West Virginia expands organ donor registration through voter registration process

In a groundbreaking effort to save and heal lives, the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office and the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) today announced the implementation of House Bill 4638, creating a new opportunity for West Virginians to register as organ, eye and tissue donors while registering to vote or updating their voter registration information. Since the law went into effect on June 8, nearly 250 individuals have signed up to be organ donors.

According to Donate Life America, New York is currently the only state confirmed to offer a donor registration pathway through voter registration. With the implementation of House Bill 4638, West Virginia will become just the second state in the nation to provide this opportunity, positioning the Mountain State as a national leader in expanding access to donor registration.

The initiative comes at a critical time, as more than 500 West Virginians are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

“West Virginians are known for helping their neighbors in times of need,” said West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner. “This new initiative provides a simple, convenient way for citizens to make a decision that could save lives. By integrating donor registration into the voter registration process, we’re creating another opportunity for residents to make their wishes known while participating in one of our most fundamental civic responsibilities.”

Under the new law, individuals completing voter registration online or through approved voter registration forms will have the option to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. Participation is entirely voluntary and will have no impact on voter registration status, eligibility to vote or participation in elections.

In 2025, 121 West Virginians gave the gift of life through organ donation. Yet hundreds more residents continue to wait for a transplant that could extend or dramatically improve their lives.

“Every donor registration represents hope for someone waiting,” said Susan Stuart, president and CEO of CORE. “For the more than 500 West Virginians awaiting a transplant, increasing donor registration is about more than statistics. It’s about creating more opportunities for life-saving transplants and honoring the wishes of individuals who choose to give the gift of life. We are proud to partner with the Secretary of State’s Office on this trailblazing effort.”

When registering to vote, eligible residents will be presented with information about organ donation and asked whether they would like to register as an organ donor. Those who choose to participate will have their information securely transmitted to the National Donate Life Registry.

Anyone age 18 or older can register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and a tissue donor can help more than 75 others through transplantation and healing.

The initiative builds on ongoing efforts by CORE, Donate Life West Virginia, healthcare partners and community organizations to increase donor registration and awareness throughout the state. Following the successful implementation of organ donor registration through West Virginia’s hunting and fishing license system, developed through a partnership between CORE and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, this new voter registration pathway represents the next evolution of the state’s forward-thinking approach to donor registration.

“West Virginia has long demonstrated a commitment to helping others,” said Warner. “By creating new pathways for donor registration, we can help ensure more lives are saved while making it easier for residents to document their decision to become donors.”

Residents seeking more information about organ, eye and tissue donation can visit DonateLifeWV.org.