West Virginia has had consistently low voter participation rates over the last three decades, with factors such as a narrow job market and the influence of coal, oil, and gas industries contributing to the issue. The state has the second-lowest citizen voting rate in the U.S., and only 55% of its employable population is in the labor force. Additionally, West Virginia has had a significant loss of young residents, leading to a sense of pessimism and apathy among potential voters. The state has been reliably Republican since 2000, which has reduced competition between parties and attention from presidential candidates. Despite this, organizations are working to engage young voters and increase turnout through education and outreach efforts.
Many young voters in West Virginia express a lack of faith in the political system and feel that their votes do not make a difference. Some, like environmental activist Junior Walk, choose not to vote due to perceived political ties to industries like coal mining. Walk uses drones to monitor and report violations by coal companies, focusing on local issues rather than national elections. Other organizations, such as Conservation West Virginia, are working to educate voters about climate change and environmental issues to increase engagement in the upcoming election. While there is a sense of dispiritedness among young voters in West Virginia, efforts are being made to empower and motivate them to participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard.
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