Since 1980, the very first year I could vote for my dad who was the Assessor of Calhoun County, West Virginia at that time; I have in each election voted. That doesn’t make me an all star American; it actually should make me a typical voter, but that’s not the case. Calhoun for the past few Primary elections has been in the 46-66 percentile of voter participation. This year we were at 35%. I realize it’s a midterm election, but that didn’t seem to make a great variance when you look at years 2018 through 2024. (See table below.
Voter Turnout 2018 General Election
| TOTAL | 46.85% |
|---|---|
| Ballots Cast | 2,227 |
| Registered Voters | 4,753 |
Voter Turnout 2020 General Election
| TOTAL | 63.06% |
| BALLOTS CAST | 3,001 |
| REGISTERED VOTERS | 4,759 |
Voter Turnout 2022 General Election
| TOTAL TURNOUT | 53.30% |
| BALLOTS CAST | 2,267 |
| REGISTERED VOTERS | 4,253 |
Voter Turnout 2024 General Election
| TOTAL TURNOUT | 66.55% |
| BALLOTS CAST | 2,986 |
| REGISTERED VOTERS | 4,487 |
Voter Turnout 2026 General Election
| TOTAL TURNOUT | 35.65% |
| BALLOTS CAST | 1,627 |
| REGISTERED VOTERS | 4,564 |
Calhoun seemed to be on an upswing for political involvement with County Commission meetings being a standing room only at most meetings 2023-2025. The past 6 months attendance has had very, very low attendance, causing the appearance of far less local concern. It’s not as if there hasn’t been reasons for concern. Our community has faced the possibility of Data Center Consideration, Valley Link Transmission Line protest, Town and Public Service Districts in near disintegration, questionable drinking water safety, local flooding that received very little attention and yet the citizens set in their homes silent while meeting attendance was little more than a handful.
What has caused the apathy in our community? I have my own theories, but they’re just that, theories at this point. What’s your opinion on it? If you didn’t vote, why? Do you really not believe your opinion matters? All comments appreciated!
