The West Virginia Silver Haired Legislature is a model legislature, composed of representatives 60 years of age or older, who are elected from throughout the state by their peers. Through this program older adults learn about the legislative process and identify solutions to common problems.
This is an election year. The election will fill all 134 seats in the Silver Haired Legislature for the 2010 and 2011 sessions. Persons are eligible to become candidates for the Silver Haired Legislature if they are 60 years of age or older and are registered to vote in West Virginia. Candidates must reside in the region from which they wish to run.
To become a candidate for the Silver Haired Legislature, a senior citizen must file a nominating petition. Twenty-five (25) signatures from residents of the region age 60 and over are required for a candidate to receive a nomination. Petitions will be available at the local county senior centers beginning Monday, April 5, 2010. The deadline for the filing of nominating petitions is Friday, April 30, 2010. The statewide election will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2010.
For further information on becoming a candidate for the Silver Haired Legislature, contact your
local senior center, the
Area Agency on Aging for your region, or the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services at 304-558-3317.