Mercer County election official says SAVE Act is unneeded in West Virginia

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - Mercer County Clerk Verlin Moye said the SAVE Act, which would establish a national photo ID requirement, is unneeded in West Virginia.

“If it’s not broke, we don’t need to fix it. That’s our policy here,” Moye said.

Moye said he is not interested in allowing another government entity to get involved with the election process.

“We’re of the opinion that the elections in the state of West Virginia are very secure and are very successful in what they do,” Moye said.

2026 will be the first year West Virginia voters will be required to show a photo ID to cast a ballot. In addition to West Virginia, 35 other states including Virginia require some form of ID to vote.

14 states do not. President Donald Trump and other Republicans have argued a national law is required to prevent non-citizens from voting in American elections.

“We’re producing very good elections, very little if any fraud is committed,” Moye said.