The general election isn't for nearly six months, but dozens of West Virginia legislative candidates can relax after Tuesday.

That's because nearly half the races for the House of Delegates won't have major party opposition, along with about a third of Senate races.

According to candidate filings with the Secretary of State's Office, 49 seats in the 100-seat House of Delegates will have no major party opposition in November. Nor will six of the 17 Senate seats up for grabs this year. There are 34 Senate seats, but members are elected in alternating years.

For some candidates, even the primary is no test: 17 candidates for the House and four for the Senate have no opponent in May or November.

The reasons range from the growing expense of campaigning to public satisfaction with an incumbent.

Still, civic groups worry that the lack of opposition gives parties little reason to be responsive in districts they represent.