Election Day Is a State Holiday in West Virginia: What's Closed Tuesday and When Polls Open

Before you head out the door Tuesday morning, here's something worth knowing, West Virginia: Election Day isn't just a big day at the ballot box. Under state law, it's an official holiday, and that means a lot of the places folks count on during a normal week will have their doors closed.

West Virginia code lists "any day on which a general, primary or special election is held" as a legal holiday throughout the state and in the communities where the election is taking place. The same law also designates general election day in even-numbered years as Susan B. Anthony Day, honoring the champion of women's right to vote. With the 2026 general election set for Tuesday, Nov. 3, the holiday rules kick in tomorrow.

What's closed

Public schools across North Central West Virginia will be closed for the day, so parents there should plan on having the kids at home. Many polling places are set up inside school buildings, which is one reason Election Day has long been a day off for students. If you live elsewhere in the state, it's a good idea to double-check your county school calendar before Tuesday morning.

If you were planning a trip to renew your license or registration, hold off. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles includes Election Day among the holidays when its regional offices close, and that includes the DMV offices in Clarksburg and Morgantown. State offices and some county facilities will also be closed, so check ahead before making a drive to take care of government business.

When and where to vote

Polls in every precinct across the Mountain State open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7:30 p.m. Early voting wrapped up Saturday, so on Election Day you'll vote at your own assigned precinct. If you're in line when the polls close, stay put.

Voting absentee? Today, Monday, Nov. 2, is the last day to hand-deliver an absentee ballot to your county clerk's office, according to the West Virginia Secretary of State's election calendar. Absentee ballots that arrive by mail are still counted if they're postmarked by Election Day and received by Nov. 9.

There's plenty on the line. Voters will decide 19 of the 34 seats in the state Senate, along with races up and down the ballot and one proposed amendment to the state constitution.

Make a plan

So set the alarm, line up a sitter if the kids are home, and save that DMV errand for Wednesday. Whatever your politics, Tuesday is the day West Virginians get their say, and the folks at your local precinct, many of them neighbors who signed up to work the polls, will be ready bright and early. West Virginia Pulse will be following the results as they come in Tuesday night.