From The Hotline Latest Edition for Friday, May 2,2008

WEST VIRGINIA (5/13 PRIMARY)

Hope Indies Read Press Releases

Fri. May 2, 2008


Voters registered as indies can choose to cast ballots in Dem, GOP or Mountain Party primaries. This is the first year the state Dem party let indies vote in its party's primary, "but this spring, when independents went to county courthouses to cast early votes, they weren't told about the options they have to request other ballots. Instead, they received 'non-partisan' independent ballots, which only include candidates running for county board of education."

"Poll workers are prohibited from telling independents about their option to request ballots from" Dem, GOP or Mountain parties." Dep. Sec/State Sarah Bailey said the state law "also prohibits poll workers form posting notices or signs informing nonpartisan voters of their options." Bailey "said a change can be made only if the state Legislature enacts a new law in the future."

Bailey: "But there has been a push to get the word out to independents that they have those options. Starting in February, we have sent out press releases stating voters have to request specific party ballots" (Nyden, Charleston Gazette, 5/1).