CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner has unveiled his office’s 2025 legislative initiatives, emphasizing election integrity, campaign finance transparency, and business development. Warner shared his priorities while addressing members of the West Virginia Press Association (WVPA) at their annual Legislative Look-Ahead Conference at the WV Culture Center in Charleston.
Warner, who was sworn in as West Virginia’s 31st Secretary of State on January 13, previously served as Executive Director of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) and as the West Virginia State Director for USDA Rural Development, a position he was appointed to by President Donald Trump.
Key Legislative Priorities
As the 2025 legislative session begins on February 12, Warner is advocating for several election-related reforms, including:
- Maintaining accurate voter rolls by keeping records as up-to-date as possible.
- Strengthening voter ID laws by eliminating non-photo identification options, such as utility bills and bank statements.
- Increasing transparency in campaign finance by addressing “dark money” activities.
- Enhancing penalties for failing to file campaign finance reports on time.
- Streamlining the election complaint process for efficiency and accountability.
- Clarifying voter registration eligibility for individuals with diminished mental capacity.
- Prohibiting ranked-choice voting in all West Virginia elections.
- Defining poll access rules to specify who is permitted inside polling places during elections.
- Allowing the Secretary of State’s Office (WVSOS) to acquire critical election infrastructure without bureaucratic delays.
“It is an honor for me to serve as the state’s chief elections officer in a state that has prioritized election integrity in every county,” Warner said. “I will continue working with our county clerks and the West Virginia Legislature to ensure that every eligible citizen has the right to register to vote and cast a ballot.”
Commitment to Business Growth
Beyond election reform, Warner, a successful entrepreneur and small business owner for over 30 years, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering economic growth in West Virginia.
“I will work with the Legislature to expand access to information, resources, and opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to start a business in West Virginia,” Warner stated. He also emphasized expanding services at the WV One Stop Business Center to support small business success and encourage entrepreneurship in local communities.
About the WVPA Legislative Look-Ahead Conference
The West Virginia Press Association (WVPA), founded in 1869, represents 79 newspapers across the state. The organization hosts its Legislative Look-Ahead Conference annually before the legislative session, providing a platform for lawmakers, elected officials, and the governor to outline their policy goals.
