Clerks from all 55 WV counties gather for election conference at Canaan Valley

DAVIS, W.Va. (WBOY) — While the 2026 elections may still be months away, county clerks and election officials from across the state gathered in Tucker County this week to prepare for the polls next year.

Representatives from all 55 counties were in attendance at the Canaan Valley Resort in Davis for a three-day conference hosted by West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner and his Elections Division staff.

“We do this as a lead-up into each election, mid-term or general election. It’s my first election conference as newly elected Secretary of State, so we’re very pleased with the fact that, again, all 55 counties are participating,” Warner said.

The conference focused on voter registration, federal guidelines, absentee voting, election day preparation, ADA compliance for polling locations, canvassing and election night reporting.

Warner said that more than 200 representatives from across the state were present this week, and that events such as this help West Virginia’s municipalities stay prepared for election season and allow citizens to vote with confidence.

“It’s the clerks that get the job done, and when you have all 55 counties represented, you know that it’s going to be another great year, and another election where people can show up and vote, and have confidence in the system, get unofficial results on election night and ten days later have those election results certified, so it’s very rewarding,” Warner said.

The 2026 Primary Election in West Virginia is set for Tuesday, May 12.