Election Information

Current Election


The next Morgantown City Council Election is Tuesday, April 27, 2021. 

Important Dates:


Jan. 1 - Apr. 21 - Absentee Ballot Applications Accepted
Jan. 4 - Feb. 8 - Certificates of Announcement Accepted
Mar. 2 - Drawing for Ballot Positions
Apr. 6 - Voter Registration Deadline
Apr. 14 - 24 - Early Voting
Apr. 27 - Election Day

Questions about the upcoming municipal election? Contact the Morgantown City Clerk's office at 304-284-7434.

Election Overview


Morgantown's Municipal Election for city council is held on the last Tuesday of April in odd years. The polls will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, per state code.

During each Municipal Election, all seven council seats are up for re-election and council members are elected at large to serve a two year term from July 1, to June 30, of the given term. Candidates wishing to run for city council must be qualified voters, and must reside in the ward in which they are seeking office. In accordance with the City Charter, the council selects from amongst themselves who will serve as Mayor and Deputy Mayor for a one year term, July 1 of the current year, through June 30 of the next year. The offices of Mayor and Deputy Mayor are ceremonial roles and serve as head(s) of the Regular and Committee of the Whole meetings of council. Additionally, the Charter states that council act exclusively as a body on all matters pending before them. 

Referendum on City Council Terms of Office


Included on the ballot in the 2021 City of Morgantown Municipal Election is a referendum on changing the terms of office for council members. 

The referendum will ask voters if they are in favor of changing city council terms from 2-year concurrent terms to 4-year staggered terms. Some of the benefits of a staggered four-year term are that it promotes stability, is consistent with West Virginia’s larger cities, and elections are still held every two years, sometimes electing a majority of city council. For more information on this referendum click here.


COVID-19 Safety Information


In order to promote safe distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 the City of Morgantown has prepared a printable nomination form which registered voters may use to nominate candidates for the upcoming 2021 City Council election. City residents can print and complete this form themselves and send it to the candidate they are nominating by email or mail – no in-person contact with others required. Instructions are included on the form.

Printable Nomination Form - 2021 CoM Election (PDF)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tips that voters can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and minimize their risk of contracting the virus. Learn more about the CDC tips here.

Voter Information


Register to vote, apply for an absentee ballot, and much more on our voter information page. If you have any questions, please contact the Morgantown City Clerk's office at 304-284-7434. Click here to learn more.

Candidate Information


Are you interested in running for city council? Check out our short video which walks you through the process and then visit our Candidate Information page. It has all the necessary information to get your candidacy started. Click here to get started.

List of Candidates

(Updated Daily)


First Ward


Second Ward


Third Ward


Fourth Ward


Fifth Ward


Sixth Ward


Seventh Ward


Write In Candidates


  • No current candidates

Volunteer


The City Clerk's office is seeking poll workers to help with the 2021 Municipal Election. If you're interesting in volunteering, please fill out the form on our website by clicking here.

Related Documents

  1. Absentee Ballot Form (PDF)