West Virginia Constitution Article IV. Election & Officers
West Virginia Constitution – Article IV: Election and Officers
Overview:
Article IV of the West Virginia Constitution establishes the foundational rules for elections, voting rights, and eligibility and terms of public officers within the state.
🔹 Key Provisions:
Right to Vote:
All citizens of the U.S. who are at least 18 years old, residents of West Virginia, and registered as required by law have the right to vote.
Voting rights may be restricted for individuals convicted of certain crimes or deemed mentally incompetent by a court.
Election by Ballot:
All elections in the state are to be conducted by secret ballot, ensuring voter privacy.
Term Limits and Qualifications:
This article outlines the terms of office for elected officials and sets eligibility requirements, such as age, residency, and citizenship status.
Most state officers serve four-year terms, unless otherwise specified.
Disqualifications:
Individuals who engage in bribery, perjury, or other infamous crimes may be disqualified from holding public office.
Public officers who engage in rebellion or insurrection against the U.S. or the state may also be disqualified.
Filling Vacancies:
Procedures for filling vacancies in public office are outlined, often involving appointments by the governor or special elections.
Contested Elections:
The legislature is responsible for judging contested elections for offices under its jurisdiction.
🗳️ In Summary:
Ensures voting rights for qualified citizens.
Mandates secret ballot voting.
Defines qualifications, terms, and disqualifications for public officers.
Sets procedures for filling vacancies and resolving election disputes.
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