CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A newly introduced bill in the West Virginia Legislature would dramatically change how elections are conducted across the state.
House Bill 4935, introduced during the 2026 Regular Session by Delegate Dillon, proposes requiring paper ballots in all elections, banning electronic voting systems entirely, and mandating that voters present a government-issued photo IDin order to cast a ballot.
Under the bill, every vote in West Virginia would be cast on paper and hand-counted, ending the use of electronic voting machines, ballot scanners, and other digital tabulation systems currently allowed under state law. The legislation repeals the entire section of state code that authorizes and regulates electronic voting systems, effectively removing them from all state, county, and municipal elections.
In addition to eliminating electronic voting, the proposal would require voters to show a government-issued photographic identification card before being allowed to vote. The bill does not outline alternative options for voters without photo ID.
Supporters of the measure argue it would increase election transparency and voter confidence by relying on physical ballots and manual counts. Critics, however, are expected to raise concerns about longer vote counts, increased costs for counties, accessibility issues for voters with disabilities, and potential barriers created by the photo ID requirement.
House Bill 4935 has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration. No hearings or votes have yet been scheduled.
If passed, the bill would represent one of the most sweeping changes to West Virginia’s election system in decades.
