Welcome to Ballot Without Borders for McDowell County, West Virginia. Local election information, voting resources, and community updates for McDowell County will be added here after they are checked against official local and West Virginia election sources.
2026 General Election in McDowell County
Candidates who received the most votes in McDowell County (unofficial, AP county results, checked Nov. 4, 2026):
- U.S. Senate: Capito (R)
This is a statewide race, so this shows who led in McDowell County, not a local winner. Statewide, Shelley Moore Capito (R) won the U.S. Senate race, according to AP race calls. Results are unofficial until certified.
Voting in West Virginia: Rules for McDowell County Voters
Voting rules are set by each state. This is a summary of West Virginia rules for McDowell County voters, checked Nov. 4, 2026, from Vote.gov (U.S. government), the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and Ballotpedia. Rules and dates can change, so confirm with West Virginia’s official election website or your local election office before each election.
Registering to vote
- Online: by 21 days before Election Day.
- By mail: must be postmarked 21 days before Election Day.
- In person: by 21 days before Election Day.
- Register or check your registration (West Virginia on Vote.gov)
Primary elections
West Virginia parties set their own rules: the Republican primary is closed, and the Democratic primary is semi-closed (unaffiliated voters may participate).
Voter ID
West Virginia asks voters to show a photo ID. If you don’t have one, there are other ways to cast a ballot that counts, such as being identified by a poll worker or signing an affidavit, depending on state rules.
Early voting
Starts: Thirteen days before election. Ends: Three days before election. Locations and hours are set locally.
Voting by mail
West Virginia requires an approved reason (excuse) to vote by absentee/mail ballot. Check the state’s list of qualifying reasons.
McDowell County election office
McDowell Clerk of the County Commission
90 Wyoming St., Ste. 109
Welch, WV 24801
Phone: (304) 436-8544
Fax: (304) 436-8576
Email: mcdowellcounty@wvsos.com
You can also look up your local election office on West Virginia’s official election website.
Contact information from the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s local election office directory (FVAP.gov, U.S. Department of Defense), checked Nov. 4, 2026. Some listed emails are for military and overseas voters; call the office if you’re not sure who to contact.
Sources: Vote.gov (registration deadlines); NCSL voter ID (updated Sept. 3, 2026), early voting (updated Aug. 11, 2026) and absentee voting (updated July 17, 2026); Ballotpedia primary types (as of Aug. 2026).