SB 853 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Clarifying persons permitted to be present in polling place during election for non-voting activities

This bill clarifies who may be present near polling places during elections for non-voting activities, such as business operations or normal activities that typically occur at the location. It specifies that people living or working within 100 feet of the entrance may remain for legitimate business (e.g., local merchants), but cannot enter the voting area. The bill also permits drivers to drop off voters within 100 feet (and stay for voters with disabilities until they depart) and sets limits on polling place order, including a five-foot distance from voting booths and ballot boxes. These changes aim to reduce confusion while maintaining election integrity.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 9, 2026 Last action Feb 9, 2026
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
3
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0
Committee
1
Feb 9, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 9, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Robbie Morris
Robbie Morris
RRepublican
WV
11