Charleston, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia residents can comment on a state pilot project that will expand voting by mail in elections.

The legislature earlier this year passed a bill that calls for the selection of up to five municipalities of any size to conduct their entire election by mail instead of in person.

The Secretary of State's office says interested communities would be required to provide information on issues such as ballot security and drop boxes, and on previous election turnouts and costs.

The bill also allows municipalities of fewer than 2,000 residents to conduct early voting by mail instead of in person.

The public comment period ends July 27. The proposed rules are available for viewing on the Secretary of State's web site.

(Copyright 2009 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)