1. United States
2. W.V.
3. Letter

It is rare that West Virginia ranks first in national surveys. Because our state passed a law requiring vaccinations for all children, West Virginia has the highest childhood vaccination rate in the nation. As a result, our children are protected from many of the viruses and illnesses that previous generations endured. However, there is a growing movement in Charleston to weaken this law by allowing vaccine exemptions. States that have adopted exemption policies are now seeing childhood diseases return—illnesses that had not been seen for decades. In 2025 alone, measles outbreaks have been reported in 42 states. West Virginia has had none. Every one of our five neighboring states has reported at least one measles case or outbreak this year. I respectfully urge you to vote no on vaccine exemptions. Changing this law will not increase freedom or safety—it will put hundreds of West Virginia children and families at unnecessary risk. Thank you for standing up for the health and well-being of our kids.