CHARLESTON— Republican voter registration increased in West Virginia during March while Democratic registration continued to decline, according to new figures released Thursday by the West Virginia Republican Party.
The party said voter registration records comparing February and March showed Republicans gained 3,842 registered voters statewide.
During the same period, Democratic registration fell by 861 voters. Overall voter registration in West Virginia increased by 2,022 voters.
The report also showed declines in other registration categories. Voters registered in the “other” category declined by 858 statewide, while unaffiliated or no-party registration fell by 164 voters.
The latest figures give Republicans 42.89% of all registered voters in the state, compared with 27.42% for Democrats.
West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Josh Holstein said the registration changes reflect a continuing political shift across the state.
Republicans have steadily expanded their voter registration advantage in West Virginia over the past decade as the state has moved away from the Democratic Party.
The voter registration deadline for the May 12 primary election is April 21.
