More voters have cast early ballots in Kanawha County than anywhere else in West Virginia, according to newly released state election figures, as residents head into the final week of voting before the Nov. 3 general election.

A total of 7,290 Kanawha County residents voted in person during the first four days of early voting, which began Wednesday, Oct. 21, according to data released by the West Virginia secretary of state's office.

That accounts for nearly 12% of the 62,366 in-person early votes cast statewide through Saturday, Oct. 24.

Kanawha County's total is the highest among West Virginia's 55 counties, exceeding Monongalia County's 5,572 votes and Berkeley County's 5,265. Cabell County follows with 3,877, while Jefferson County rounds out the top five with 2,828.

But the picture changes when turnout is measured against the number of registered voters.

Kanawha County has 121,002 registered voters, the largest electorate in the state, according to voter registration figures published Oct. 18. Its 7,290 early votes represent about 6% of registered voters, placing the county 11th statewide in early in-person voting participation.

Monongalia County leads the state by that measure, with 8.3% of its 67,328 registered voters having cast early ballots. Randolph County follows at 7.8%, with Jackson County at 7%.

Cabell County, which has fewer than half as many registered voters as Kanawha, has recorded a 6.9% early voting rate, placing it fifth statewide.

Putnam County, Kanawha's neighbor to the west, has recorded 2,415 early votes, representing 6.1% of its 39,299 registered voters. That puts Putnam seventh in the state by the number of ballots cast and ninth by participation rate, slightly ahead of Kanawha on the latter measure.

Still, Kanawha County's early voting participation rate is above the statewide average of 5.2% for in-person ballots.

Across West Virginia, 66,855 ballots had been cast through Saturday, including 62,366 in-person early votes and 4,489 returned absentee ballots, according to Secretary of State Kris Warner.

That represents approximately 5.5% of the state's 1.21 million registered voters.

Another 3,801 absentee ballots had been requested but not returned as of Saturday.

The early voting figures offer an initial look at voter participation ahead of an election in which Kanawha County residents will decide a range of local races and ballot measures.

Charleston voters will choose a mayor and City Council members, while South Charleston residents will also elect municipal officials. Countywide contests include seats on the Kanawha County Commission and magistrate court.

Voters will also decide whether to renew excess property tax levies supporting Kanawha County Schools and the Kanawha County Public Library system.

The early voting numbers do not necessarily indicate how many people will ultimately participate in the election. Voters still have several days to cast early ballots, and others will wait until Election Day.

The figures also do not show which candidates are benefiting from early turnout. Although the secretary of state's spreadsheet breaks down ballots by voters' party registrations, those affiliations do not reveal how individuals voted.

Warner said his office plans to release another report covering the first week of early voting, from Oct. 21 through Oct. 28, including county-by-county and political party breakdowns.

“Casting a ballot is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard,” Warner said in a statement. “Whether you head to the polls early or cast your ballot on Election Day, your vote counts.”

Early in-person voting continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, at designated locations in all 55 counties.

This year's general election also marks the first in West Virginia under a new requirement that voters generally present photo identification at the polls.

Previously, voters could use certain forms of identification that did not include a photograph. Under legislation approved in 2025, voters must now present an accepted form of photo ID unless they qualify for a limited exception.

Voters can review sample ballots, find early voting locations and learn more about identification requirements through the secretary of state's GoVoteWV website.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.