West Virginia House of Delegates 1968 Election Results
On November 5, 1968, voters across West Virginia headed to the polls to elect 100 candidates to the House of Delegates. These representatives were elected to serve a two-year term as part of the 59th West Virginia Legislature. While the Democratic Party maintained its control of the chamber, the election signaled a slight shift in the political landscape.
Key Facts
- Election Date: November 5, 1968.
- Total Seats: 100.
- Majority Threshold: 51 seats.
- Outcome: Democrats retained the majority with 63 seats, while Republicans increased their presence to 37 seats.
- Net Change: The Republican Party gained two seats.
- Speaker of the House: Ivor F. Boiarsky (Democrat).
Election Analysis and Results
The 1968 election saw a competitive race for the 100 available seats. The Democratic Party secured 1,449,004 popular votes, accounting for 53.19% of the total. The Republican Party followed with 1,275,201 votes, representing 46.81% of the popular vote.
Despite the Democratic victory, the Republicans managed a net gain of two seats, reducing the Democratic majority from 65 seats in the previous term to 63. This shift reflected a tightening race between the two major parties in the state.
[no image illustration]Voting Methodology
The election utilized the redistricting map first established for the 1964 general election. The process employed plurality block voting—a system used in districts with multiple delegates where voters can cast votes for multiple candidates, and those with the highest totals win the seats.
Legislative Leadership
Following the election, the 59th Legislature established its leadership. Ivor F. Boiarsky, a Democrat, was elected as the Speaker of the House, succeeding H. Laban White.
Within the minority party, the Republicans elected George H. Seibert to the position of minority leader. Seibert returned to the role, succeeding the outgoing delegate Brereton C. Jones.
| Metric | Democratic Party | Republican Party |
|---|---|---|
| Seats Won | 63 | 37 |
| Seat Change | -2 | +2 |
| Popular Vote | 1,449,004 | 1,275,201 |
| Vote Percentage | 53.19% | 46.81% |
| Leader | Ivor F. Boiarsky (Speaker) | George H. Seibert |
Frequently Asked Questions
When were the elections for the West Virginia House of Delegates held in 1968?
The elections were held on November 5, 1968.
Who became the Speaker of the House after the 1968 election?
Democrat Ivor F. Boiarsky was elected as the Speaker of the House.
How many seats did the Republican Party gain in this election?
The Republican Party gained a net total of two seats, bringing their total to 37.
What voting system was used for districts with multiple delegates?
The election used plurality block voting, based on the map first drawn for the 1964 general election.
Who succeeded Brereton C. Jones as the Republican minority leader?
George H. Seibert was elected back to the position of minority leader to succeed Brereton C. Jones.