CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While Wednesday marked the deadline for Gov. Patrick Morrisey to officially sign bills passed this legislative session into law, the governor held a ceremonial bill signing at the state Capitol Thursday morning for legislation requiring photo identification for anyone voting in West Virginia.
House Bill 3016, meant to address voter fraud and bolster secure elections, would require a photo ID — typically a driver’s license, passport or a resident identification card — to vote in-person. It eliminated several options previously accepted at polling places to validate identity, including a Medicaid card and utility bill, among others.
Citizens can request a voter registration card with a photograph from either their county clerk or the secretary of state, per the code, however the process for doing so is not specified in the bill text. Any cards requested will be given free of charge. No funds were allocated through this bill for the creation or distribution of such cards.
Anyone who is unable to provide a valid photo ID at the ballot box will still be able to cast a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit confirming their identity.
Once election officials verify their identity, the provisional ballot should be counted as long as the person is an eligible voter.
In comments Thursday, Morrisey and other legislative leaders acknowledged that voter fraud is not widespread in West Virginia, but alleged that making HB 3016 into law will ensure that remains true.
Nationwide, however, studies have found that photo ID requirements for voting can restrict ballot box access for millions of people — namely older people, low-income residents and already marginalized groups. There is little evidence showing that such laws limit voter fraud, which is incredibly rare.
West Virginia already has abysmal voter turnout. Opponents of HB 3016 voiced concerns during session that the bill will make it difficult — particularly for older West Virginians and those who don’t drive or lack access to the internet — to vote in the state.
The legislation was one of several priorities listed by Secretary of State Kris Warner before the beginning of the 2025 session. Thursday, Morrisey called the measure “commonsense.”
“Democratic elections are only as strong as the trust placed in them by the voters,” Morrisey said. “This commonsense legislation secures West Virginia’s elections and instills faith in the voting process.”