West Virginia: A Place Worth Fighting For

For too long, the voices of many West Virginians have been overshadowed, overlooked, or outright ignored. Many residents face economic hardships, limited access to essential services, and political disenfranchisement. Yet, the people of West Virginia are determined and resilient and have never stopped fighting for their families, their communities, and for their voices to be heard. West Virginia is worth fighting for, and Bluejay Rising is committed to being a part of that fight.

Quick Facts about the Population

  • #3 in the poverty rate among the total population
  • #1 for the most underprivileged children
  • #44 for children living in poverty (25%)
  • #4 in the number of households without the Internet
  • #2 most rural state with little to no public transportation
  • #49 for healthcare (#48 for cancer rate and #51 for stroke and heart disease rate)

Sources: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy, American Community Survey, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Wallet Hub

Quick Facts about the Voters

  • Since 2016, Democratic voter registration has declined by 38% and rose by 15% for unaffiliated voters
  • Voter turnout in the 2024 primaries was 30.49%
  • 1.4 million are voting-age citizens, but only 1.1 million are registered to vote
  • 75% of people don’t feel represented well by the WV government

Sources: WV Secretary of State, American Progress, New Job Coalition

How Bluejay Rising Will Help:

1. Mutual Aid Networks:
We support West Virginians by organizing mutual aid networks that provide direct assistance to those in need. From food drives to community resource sharing, we are here to help forgotten West Virginians weather difficult times.

 

2. Voter Education, Registration, and Restoration:
Bluejay Rising is dedicated to ensuring every eligible West Virginian can exercise their right to vote. We provide voter education, help with registration, and support the restoration of voting rights for those who have been disenfranchised. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge to make your voice count at the ballot box.

 

3. A Print Newsletter:
Our print newsletter is specifically designed to reach those who may feel left out of the political process or disconnected from current events. It will serve as a resource guide to connect West Virginians with local services and opportunities—from healthcare and housing assistance to education and employment resources. It additionally provides relevant news, opportunities and stories that matter to you, ensuring that information reaches every corner of our state.