West Virginia § 3-1-3 - 3-1-3. Persons entitled to vote.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 3-1-3 — 3-1-3. Persons entitled to vote., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3-1-3. 3-1-3. Persons entitled to vote.

(a) Citizens of the state may vote at all elections held within the precincts of the counties and municipalities in which they respectively reside, but a person may not vote in a federal, state, county, municipal, or special election unless the person:

(1) Is registered to vote as required by law;

(2) Is 18 years of age, except that a person may vote in a primary election if he or she will reach the age of 18 years on or before the date of the next general election held after the primary election;

(3) Has not been determined by a final judgment of a circuit court exercising jurisdiction pursuant to §44A-1-2(c) of this code to be totally mentally incompetent;

(4) Has not been convicted of treason, a felony, or bribery in an election or, if convicted, has:

(A) Had his or her sentence fully discharged, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, or period of probation ordered by any court; or

(B) Been pardoned or otherwise formally released from the resulting disability to vote;

(5) Is a United States citizen; and

(6) Is a bona fide resident of the state, county, or municipality in which he or she offers to vote.

(b) For purposes of §3-1-3 (a)(3), a person is requalified to vote upon certification in writing by the clerk of the circuit court of an order or other official determination filed with his or her office that the person is no longer totally mentally incompetent: Provided , That a copy of the order or other official determination shall not be provided without further order by a court of competent jurisdiction or written permission signed by the person to whom the order or official determination pertains.

(c) For purposes of §3-1-3 (a)(4):

(1) A person convicted of a disqualifying crime may not vote from the date of adjudication of that crime, notwithstanding any pending sentencing order, post-trial motions, direct appeals, or other post-conviction requests for relief; and

(2) A person is not considered to have been convicted of a disqualifying crime where the criminal proceedings are deferred and there is no adjudication of guilt as to the disqualifying crime.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 3-1-3

What does West Virginia Code § 3-1-3 cover?

Section 3-1-3 ("3-1-3. Persons entitled to vote.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 3-1-3?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 3-1-3" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 3-1-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.