Clarifying definition of electioneering
This bill clarifies the definition of "electioneering" near polling places in West Virginia. It prohibits campaign signs, solicitation of votes, and distribution of campaign materials within 100 feet of polling entrances (including during early voting), while exempting news media exit polling, bumper stickers on parked vehicles, and non-advocacy educational materials. It permits voters to use cell phones to view candidate lists or ballot questions inside polling places, bans photography/videography in voting areas (except for law enforcement investigations), and maintains the 100-foot buffer zone for electioneering. The law applies directly to voters, poll workers, candidates, and election officials during voting hours.
Bill status
failed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House of Delegates Failed
Apr 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 14, 2025
Last action Apr 12, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Committee Substitute
→
sb488 h jud am _1 adopted.htm
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3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to add specific exceptions to the prohibition on taking photographs or videos near polling places. The amendment clarifies that the photo/video ban does not apply to certain individuals performing official duties, private property owners, or law enforcement officers, provided they do not capture voter ballots or interfere with voting.
Scope change
The scope of the photo/video prohibition was narrowed by adding three specific exemptions for law enforcement, private property owners, and polling place employees.
ENFORCEMENT
Added new exceptions allowing law enforcement officers to take photos/videos while performing official duties
ELIGIBILITY
Added exception for employees working at polling places to take photos/videos if they don't capture ballots or interfere with voting
Added exception for citizens on private property to take photos/videos regardless of distance from polling place if they don't capture ballots or interfere with voting
Floor votes · Senate Mar 4, 2025 · House of Delegates Apr 11, 2025
How they voted
32–0
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 33
Mar 4, 2025
D
Democratic2
100% Yea
R
Republican31
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
29
Key actions
4
Committee
6
Amendments
1
Apr 11, 2025
Vote failed
House of Delegates Vote: fail (33-65-2)
house of delegates
Apr 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)
lower
Apr 10, 2025
Introduced
Amendment reported by the Clerk
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
With amendment, do pass
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Committee
To House Judiciary
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Committee
To Judiciary
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (Roll No. 58)
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee substitute reported
upper
Feb 14, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 14, 2025
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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