This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish clearer procedures for filling vacancies in various elected federal, state, and county offices. A key provision requires that individuals appointed to fill a vacancy must have been a member of the same political party as the previous officeholder for at least one year prior to the vacancy. The Governor is empowered to appoint an acting official to perform the duties of a constitutional officer until the position is filled. For magistrate vacancies with an unexpired term exceeding two years, the bill mandates that these be filled through a nonpartisan judicial election held concurrently with the next primary or general election.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific timelines for submitting lists of qualified candidates and details the appointment process for county commissions and councils, ensuring that appointees align with the political affiliation of the previous officeholder. It also addresses situations where a vacancy in a county commission or council prevents a quorum, requiring the Governor to appoint from a list of three qualified individuals provided by the relevant party executive committee. Temporary successors can be appointed for the office of clerk of the county commission or council for up to 30 days until the vacancy is filled. The legislation aims to enhance the integrity and consistency of the vacancy-filling process across different levels of government in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-10-3
Committee Substitute: 3-10-3, 3-10-4, 3-10-5, 3-10-6, 3-10-7, 3-10-8, 50-1-6
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 3-10-3, 3-10-4, 3-10-5, 3-10-6, 3-10-7, 3-10-8, 50-1-6