Published: February 13, 2008 10:34 pm         

Former judge is among first class inducted into Voters Hall of Fame

Former Judge Robert Ashworth, 98, of Beaver was inducted into the West Virginia Voter Hall of Fame for voting in every general election in the last 50 years.

West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland visited Ashworth at his residence Wednesday to present him a medallion and certificate in honor of his induction.

Ireland read from the certificate as she presented it to Ashworth: “For establishment of an outstanding lifelong voting record and commitment to carry out one of the most fundamental responsibilities of citizenship in the United States.”

Ashworth first voted in the 1920s and has taken his responsibility as a voter seriously ever since.

“The importance of voting is to express your desire that we have a good system of government,” he said.

As he prepares to turn 99 years old, Ashworth intends to vote in the 2008 general election.

Ashworth practiced law in Beckley for several decades and served briefly as a circuit judge.

The state’s voter hall of fame was created in 2007 to call attention to the importance of voting.

“The purpose is to show young people that there are citizens who take their voting responsibility very seriously,” Ireland said.

Ireland is traveling to each of West Virginia’s 55 counties to recognize the oldest voter in each county who has voted in every general election for the last 50 years.

Ashworth is among the first class of inductees into the voter hall of fame. Another voter will be inducted from each county annually.

Speaking to Ashworth, Ireland said, “We are honoring one person in every county, and you are the Raleigh County champion for voting.”

— E-mail: bbilleter@register-herald.com