HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. – The City of Chester and the Hancock County Commission have reached an agreement to hold Chester’s municipal elections on the same day as county elections, beginning with the May 2026 primary.
The move comes in response to a new state law requiring municipal election days to align with county election dates no later than July 2032. By coordinating election schedules, officials say the change is expected to reduce costs, streamline election administration, and potentially increase voter turnout.
Under the agreement, Chester’s city elections will now be conducted alongside county races, eliminating the need for separate election days and duplicate staffing and equipment.
County officials say additional details regarding ballots and polling locations will be released closer to the 2026 primary.
