How to Run for Charleston, WV City Council

NEW Date: Dec 18th, 5:30pm-7pm

Location: Main Library Branch, Room 311A

Learn tips and tricks for running for Charleston, WV City Council! Meet other local candidates and engaged community members. *All* are welcome.

Charleston, WV has 26 City Council members - including 20 wards and 6 At-Large Seats. ALL seats are currently up for re-election every four years. 2026 is the next election, which run on the same dates as the state's midterms.

Find your ward here: https://www.charlestonwv.gov/government/ward-locator

Deadline to file to run for party-affiliated candidates is Sat, Jan 31st 2026.

You can file for pre-candidacy now, by utilizing the form below, and by bringing it to the City Clerk's office inside Charleston City Hall (501 Virginia St. E).

https://sos.wv.gov/FormSearch/Elections/Campaign_Finance/F1%20-%20Precandidacy.pdf

Even if you file for pre-candidacy, you still will need to officially file to run between the dates of January 12, 2026 and January 31, 2026.

The State of West Virginia's full 2026 Guide to Running for Public Office can be found here: https://sos.wv.gov/FormSearch/Elections/Informational/Running%20for%20Office.pdf

Also check out other Parties in Charleston, Entertainment events in Charleston.