What do I need to Vote?
To vote you will need a voter’s card. You must register to vote at your local DMV, courthouse, or online to receive a voter’s card.
Where Can I Vote?
Your district determines the place where you vote. The exact location where you vote will be on your voter’s card.
Why is voting in local elections important?
“These offices have a major impact on your community and daily life. They affect how much you pay in property taxes, where housing and schools are built, and where your city sets its priorities.” (Oxendahl, “Voting Local Matters: Why Vote for City Council?”)
West Virginia State Senate District 11
What do they do?
The West Virginia State Senate is the upper chamber of the West Virginia State Legislature. Alongside the West Virginia House of Delegates, it forms the legislative branch of the West Virginia state government. It works alongside the governor of West Virginia to create laws and a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the West Virginia State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
Meet the Candidates
Robert Karnes is running in the Republican primary for West Virginia State Senate District 11 on May 14, 2024
Robert Karnes is a Republican candidate who attended West Virginia University. He was born in 1969 in South Charleston, WV. He identifies as a Baptist. He is married and has 8 children. He is a member of the Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee and holds a chair on the Interstate Cooperation Committee.
Robbie Morris is running in the Republican primary for West Virginia State Senate District 11 on May 14, 2024.
Robbie Morris is a Republican candidate who attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. He was born in Elkins, WV. He has a master’s degree in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science/History. He identifies as a Christian. He is married and has 2 children. He was the Executive Director, of Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, Sep 2009 – Jun 2011 and the Executive Director of Randolph County Development Authority, July 2011-present.
Mandy Smith Weirich is running in the Democratic primary for West Virginia State Senate District 11 on May 14, 2024.
Mandy Smith Weirich is running in WV Senate District 11 as a Democratic candidate who describes herself as a pro-choice candidate because she “believes women should have the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions, including IVF treatments, birth control, and abortion”. Mandy Smith Weirich is a graduate of the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program at West Virginia University (WVU), where she also earned a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. She received her B.A. in Criminology at St. Leo University. She is a clinical instructor and coordinator of the MSW Online Program and is the Gerontology Program Coordinator at WVU School of Social Work. Ms. Weirich has dedicated her life to public service. Her first professional career was as a community policing officer in Chesapeake, VA. She has over a decade of experience in the rural aging field, including Adult Protective Services (APS), Statewide Trainer for Adult Services and APS, and Program Manager for Healthy Home–an innovative supportive housing and health model for low-income Seniors. Weirich serves on the Meals on Wheels of Randolph County Board, Highland Community Builders board, and the National Adult Protective Services Association policy committee; she belongs to AFT Academics, is an elected member of the Randolph County Democratic Executive Committee, and is a founding member of the Randolph County Democratic Women. The Mountain Mamas PAC and the West Virginia Education Association recently endorsed her.
West Virginia House of Delegates District 67
What do they do?
Delegates submit bill proposals to the Office of Legislative Services or legislative staff counsel, who draft the bill. Once the delegate approves the bill draft, it is submitted for introduction.
Elias Coop Gonzalez is running in the Republican primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 67 on May 14, 2024.
Elias Coop-Gonzalez serves in the West Virginia House of Delegates. He is a Republican candidate for this upcoming election. He moved to WV when he was 13, he was born in a third-world country, and noted “the importance of preserving America and making our values great”. Later in his life, he went on to work directly under the president of Leadership Institute, an educational non-profit that prepares conservatives to win in the public policy process. Currently, he is a student at Liberty University where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration and data analytics.
Cody Thompson is running in the Democratic primary for West Virginia House of Delegates District 67 on May 14, 2024.
Cody Thompson is a Democratic candidate who went to WVU and Marshall Univerity. He has degrees in Multi-Categorical Special Education and Secondary Social Studies Education. He was born in 1987 in Elkins, WV and is married. He is a Former Member of the City of Elkins Building Commission, a member of the Executive Board American Federation of Teachers-Randolph, A Supporter of the Randolph County Humane Society, and on the Board of Directors of the Youth Health Services.
Q & A
Our team emailed each candidate and waited two weeks for their responses.
Q: What are you doing to help young people/students?
A: “I am the coordinator for the Masters in Social Work (MSW) Online program and the Gerontology program at the WVU School of Social Work. My job is to bring education opportunities to West Virginians no matter where they live in WV. Social Work is one of the critical workforce areas and it is one of the fastest-growing occupations. We desperately need more social workers in our state. I encourage students to take the Gerontology minor because WV has one of the highest populations of people over 65 in the country and it is an area of study that students directly benefit in their own lives (it will help them plan better for their own future and it will help them understand their parents/grandparents on a different level).” -Mandy Smith Weirich, Candidate for the West Virginia State Senate District 11
Q: What should students look for in a candidate when voting?
A: “Students should look for a candidate who is willing to do what is right no matter what. Doing the right thing is not always popular, but it is rooted in what is ultimately best for the state. Specifically, students should be learning more about how the U.S. and State Constitutions work so they have a good understanding of which politicians are really advocating for their God-given rights.” -Elias Coop Gonzalez, Candidate for West Virginia House of Delegates District 67
Q: Do you think it’s important to have young people in WV, and why?
A: “I absolutely think it is important for young people to stay in WV and help us grow in new and thoughtful ways. We have a beautiful culture here in WV and young people should feel that they can get a quality education here and pursue careers that not only fulfill them but allow them to earn a living wage.” -Mandy Smith Weirich, Candidate for the West Virginia State Senate District 11
Q: What are you doing to improve schools/communities of younger people in WV?
A: The main things I am pushing for in the legislature to help young people are family values and for strong economic drivers. This can be accomplished by revering tradition, learning history, cutting taxes for working people, investing in infrastructure, and delivering exceptional education to students.” – Elias Coop Gonzalez, Candidate for West Virginia House of Delegates District 67
