Story perspectives

West Virginia Enforces Photo-ID Rule, Democrats Decry Politics

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

West Virginia required a photo ID at May 12, 2026 election.
The law permits only photo IDs, with four exceptions—friend’s affidavit, poll worker known for six months, nursing-home residency, or religious exemption—and accepts driver’s licenses, passports, government or student IDs while other IDs are invalid.
Secretary of State Kris Warner said 85 % used driver’s licenses, while Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said there is no evidence of fraud and called law political.

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Story summary

West Virginia required a photo ID at May 12, 2026 election.
The law permits only photo IDs, with four exceptions—friend’s affidavit, poll worker known for six months, nursing-home residency, or religious exemption—and accepts driver’s licenses, passports, government or student IDs while other IDs are invalid.
Secretary of State Kris Warner said 85 % used driver’s licenses, while Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said there is no evidence of fraud and called law political.