Governor Patrick Morrisey has signed into law House Bill 3016, a landmark piece of legislation that requires West Virginians to present photo identification when voting. This bold and necessary action solidifies West Virginia’s commitment to election integrity and brings the Mountain State in line with the majority of the country that already enforces voter ID laws.
“Democratic elections are only as strong as the trust placed in them by the voters,” Governor Morrisey said at the bill signing ceremony, joined by Attorney General JB McCuskey and legislative allies. “This commonsense legislation secures West Virginia’s elections and instills faith in the voting process.”
Under the new law, voters must present one of several forms of valid ID to vote. Acceptable documents include a West Virginia driver’s license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a valid student or employee ID with a photo, or a voter registration card issued by a county clerk or the Secretary of State. Voters without ID will still be able to cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted after their identity is verified.
In a time when Americans’ trust in elections is at an all-time low, Governor Morrisey is leading the charge to rebuild faith in the democratic process. This isn’t about limiting access—it’s about safeguarding the sacred principle of one person, one vote. Every fraudulent vote cancels out a legitimate one. That’s not hypothetical—it’s reality. And it’s why this legislation matters.
Opponents will predictably cry foul, claiming this bill is a solution in search of a problem. But ask yourself: Do we really want to wait for widespread fraud to act? The people of West Virginia don’t. And neither does their governor.
In typical fashion, Morrisey has acted not with bluster, but with purpose—delivering real conservative reform grounded in principle and practicality. With House Bill 3016 now law, West Virginia is sending a message to the rest of the nation: election security is not a partisan issue; it is a constitutional obligation.
In an era of declining confidence in institutions, Governor Patrick Morrisey just gave West Virginians a reason to believe in their democracy again. And for that, voters across the state should thank him.
