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WV HB4710

Bill

Official Source

Status

Engrossed

2/18/2026

Primary Sponsor

Josh Holstein

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Extends the waiting period for candidates to switch political party affiliation before filing to run for office from 60 days to 180 days prior to filing their certificate of announcement
  • Candidates must not have been registered as a voter affiliated with any other political party for the full 180-day period before filing
  • Applies to all partisan elections in West Virginia, including state legislature, circuit judges, and county offices
  • Secretary of State or county officials may refuse to certify candidacy if voter registration records show the candidate was registered with a different party during the 180-day period
  • Introduced January 21, 2026, by Delegates Holstein and Horst and referred to the House Judiciary Committee

Legislative Description

Changing the limit on switching parties before filing to run for office from 60 days to 180 days prior to an election.

Elections

Last Action

Senate requests House to concur

3/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/19/2026
Judiciary2/10/2026
Legal Services2/9/2026
Judiciary1/21/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available