Is it just me, or is this general election cycle unusually quiet in West Virginia?
With early voting just around the corner and the election a little more than three weeks away, the atmosphere feels much different compared to previous years. The once vibrant buzz of political ads, campaign rallies, and door-to-door canvassing seems more subdued, almost like a whisper compared to the past’s loud and heated election seasons.
In past election cycles, particularly around gubernatorial or presidential elections, West Virginia felt electrified with political fervor. You couldn’t go a day without seeing campaign ads on TV or receiving calls from campaign volunteers urging you to vote. Many Town Halls were crowded with supporters of all political persuasions, local news was saturated with election coverage, and political yard signs dotted the landscape.
Candidates from both parties would make appearances at every fair and festival, church gatherings, or public forum, shaking hands, kissing babies, and speaking directly with the voters.
This year, however, feels different. It’s quieter, and kind of eerily so. The typical campaign enthusiasm feels toned down. There aren’t as many yard signs placed. The most prominent ads on my television are those of Bernie Moreno and Sherrod Brown, and I have seen nothing of a debate or rallies as I’ve seen in the past. Even on social media, where heated political debates have become almost a norm, there seems to be less engagement.
What’s behind this unusual calm during the storm?
One reason for this quieter cycle could be a shift in campaign strategies. In an increasingly digital world, campaigns have pivoted away from traditional methods like door-to-door canvassing or big rallies and focused more on social media, data-driven outreach, and micro-targeted advertising. Candidates may be spending their resources on smaller, more controlled engagements, focusing on specific voters rather than casting a wide net through broad public appearances.
For many candidates, especially incumbents, it might feel safer to hold fewer public events, reducing the risk of confrontation or mistakes that could go viral. West Virginia is not immune to the intense national political climate, where a single misstep can spiral into controversy. The quieter approach might be a strategic move to minimize exposure, stick to key messages, and avoid potential pitfalls.
Another contributing factor could be voter fatigue. After years of divisive elections, non-stop political headlines, and the overarching influence of national politics, voters might be feeling exhausted. The constant barrage of news and contentious debate may have numbed people to the usual excitement of an election season. Add to this the lingering effects of the pandemic and economic concerns, and it’s not hard to imagine why people might be tuning out, especially in Wheeling where our voter turnout is sadly low.
There’s also the possibility that voters feel somewhat apathetic or resigned this year.
Perhaps many believe the outcomes are already decided. Since the Republicans took control of the state House and Senate in the 2014 election, those margins have grown each year. This year, the Democrats named several candidates to the ballot, prompting the question, if you don’t care enough to file, do you really want to win?
This brings up the next point: Fewer competitive races.
In many parts of the state, races feel like a foregone conclusion. Strong incumbents face little to no serious opposition, even if they are seeking a different office this cycle. Their challengers have struggled to gain traction. Without highly competitive races that ignite public interest and debate, it’s no wonder the cycle feels quieter.
Many races lack the suspense they once had. This election cycle doesn’t feature any matchups that would normally engage voters and turn up the political volume. When voters feel like they already know the result, they’re less likely to be motivated to engage. Candidates with strong positive name ID and polling don’t want to risk mentioning their opponents to bring attention to them that was not previously on them.
With a presidential election on this ballot, maybe voters are tuning into what’s happening on the national stage instead of focusing on down-ballot races. Issues like inflation, the economy, healthcare, and the ongoing debate over national security and international conflicts have dominated headlines, while local concerns have taken a back seat.
Candidates may be also sensing this shift and choosing to campaign less vigorously, recognizing that voter attention is elsewhere. Without the typical hot-button issues driving local political engagement, the energy that usually accompanies a general election season simply isn’t there.
Another factor to consider is the rise of early voting.
As more West Virginians choose to cast their votes ahead of Election Day, campaigns may feel less urgency to make a final push. The old pattern of building momentum toward a climactic Election Day is fading, as candidates now focus on getting voters to the polls early. This could be a contributing factor to the quieter atmosphere, with less emphasis on a last-minute surge in campaigning and voter turnout.
Finally, there’s the possibility that voters simply aren’t as engaged this year.
Whether it’s due to political disillusionment, satisfaction with the status quo, or feeling that their vote won’t make a difference, some West Virginians, who typically are more engaged, maybe choosing to sit this one out. If voter engagement is low, the entire election process can feel less energized and more muted.
So, is this quieter general election cycle an anomaly, or is it a sign of things to come?
It’s hard to say for certain. However, even if the cycle feels quieter, that doesn’t mean the stakes aren’t high. Local elections still matter, and the choices voters make this year will have a lasting impact on their communities. As the election nears, let’s hope the quiet gives way to a more engaged, thoughtful electorate, ready to shape the future of West Virginia, one vote at a time.
