Election Day is Tuesday November 3, and the certification of the results will occur on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9. State law requires county commissions (sitting as the Board of Canvassers) to certify the final vote counts and address counting of provisional and absentee ballots. State law is very specific on procedures and requires the meeting be open to the public.
The election is not over until the work of the Board of Canvassers is complete, and we urge you to participate as observers.
A detailed explanation of obligations for the Board of Canvassers may be found on the Secretary of State website. Observers are permitted by law.
What does an observer do? The LWVWV has prepared a list for observers to follow during the canvass process:
1. Was the public welcome to observe the meeting?
2. During your observation, did the canvassers find any problems with the election returns?
3. Did you observe any attempt to disrupt or slow down the canvassing process?
4. Were reasons stated for why a ballot is provisional?
5. Was there disagreement as to whether or not to accept a provisional ballot?
6. Were reasons stated for why a ballot was classified as provisional?
If you wish to observe the certification process, contact the county clerk to advise you will be there and will be representing the LWVWV. The process may be very long, so interact with your local league to set up time slots. Any comments or observations you would like to make after participating may be shared at lwvofwv@gmail.com
Undoubtedly, we all are exhausted from the election season but this is the final step in the process and deserves our attention!