W.Va. Early Primary Voting Tops 37K; Ends Saturday - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

W.Va. Early Primary Voting Tops 37K; Ends Saturday

CHARLESTON (AP) -

More than 37,500 West Virginians have voted early ahead of the May 8 primary.

The number of in-person and absentee ballots cast as of Wednesday appears light when compared to prior elections. The voting has averaged 5,300 ballots for each of the seven days so far.

Early voting continues until Saturday.

The turnout may reflect the relative handful of contested races to be decided Tuesday. The biggest statewide races are both on the Democratic ballot. Five candidates seek the nomination in a bid to succeed retiring Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass. Six Democrats are campaigning for the nod in the two-seat state Supreme Court race.

The Democrats also have more contested House of Delegates races than the Republicans, and all 6 of the contested state Senate matchups.

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