Protecting our Republic Act

HB 5037 would require all West Virginia residents who wish to vote in state or local elections or run for public office (including state, county, city, town, or village positions) to be natural-born U.S. citizens. The bill amends election code definitions to specify that "voter" and "candidate" must be natural-born citizens, excluding naturalized citizens from eligibility. These changes would take effect on January 1, 2028, applying to all general, primary, and special elections. The bill directly affects voters and candidates seeking public office in West Virginia.