In West Virginia, Your Vote Honors A Veteran in More Ways Than One

In election cycles, there are a handful of key battleground states that seem to garner the most media attention. West Virginia is typically not among those swing states, although that has not stopped it from making a big splash in the effort to increase voter participation this November 4. This year, the Mountain State is hoping to attract more voters to the polls by making a direct connection between this democratic right with the military veterans who helped preserve it.

West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant recently launched the “Vote in Honor of a Veteran” program. Voters simply log onto the Secretary of State’s website, click the link atop the page, and share a personal story about a veteran in their own life. As stated on the website, the program “is an initiative to honor the brave men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms.”

Because West Virginia boasts a significant population of veterans per capita, the Vote in Honor of a Veteran initiative is likely to boost voter participation on Election Day. Secretary Tennant discussed the connection between honoring military service and voting:

“This website and this program really highlights who we are as West Virginians. That we share our stories and that we share our sacrifices and our hospitality. And we are all family together. I know when people read the tributes to the veterans they are going to have a special connection and that’s why this program is so important. It connects us.”

West Virginians can also check their voter registration status on the Secretary of State’s website. All instructions and forms for registering via the mail are all included as well. With the crisp autumn season replacing summertime barbeques and ballgames, Americans’ focus will be turning toward Election Day and Veterans Day. West Virginia is one state that is out ahead of the curve on the patriotic connection of both.

Of course, no matter what your permanent address is in the United States, you can visit the U.S. Vote Foundation website for information on how to register to vote, to request an absentee ballot, check our Local Election Official Directory, and even get help from our Voter Help Desk. We have you covered from absentee ballot requests to voter registration services for all U.S. voters in all states at home and abroad.