The Elections System of the Virgin Islands celebrated National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, reminding citizens of the U.S. Virgin Islands of their responsibility to participate in the democratic process. National Voter Registration Day occurs throughout the nation, and this year’s theme is “Rise up and Register,” encouraging voters to make their voices heard by registering to vote.
At the Elections System of the Virgin Islands Office on St. Croix, The Source caught up with Supervisor Caroline Fawkes, who provided an update on registration. Fawkes said that so far, territory-wide, the day had been busy with community members registering and renewing their voter identification cards.
Fawkes also mentioned that the Elections System of the Virgin Islands aims to encourage citizens to register to vote not only on this day but well before registration closes. Registration closes in most states and territories 30 days before the election, except for those who allow registration up to election day. Voter registration closes on Oct. 6 in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Over in the St. Thomas-St. John district, Elections Assistant Supervisor Kevermay Douglas encouraged voters who may not have participated in recent election cycles to re-register or check their registration status.
“Again, registration is the first step, we need participation,” Fawkes said. “We need you to participate, cast your vote. Each vote matters and one vote makes a difference. Your vote is your voice. Not voting is not a protest.”
Given a notably low voter turnout during the Democratic Primary across the territory, The Source asked what are some of the reasons why voters do not exercise their right? Fawkes said, “Sometimes there are persons running that they do not relate to, or the platform does not support what they think. No matter what, whether you vote for the person or not, if they win and it was somebody you did not want to win then they are making a loss on your behalf.”
“Voting is important; many folks have died for this right to vote. So, we have this right, and we must exercise our right,” she continued.
Douglas also mentioned those V.I. residents who value the registration card as a form of identification. “We have people who come into the office (and say) ‘Oh, I need an ID.'”
“Persons who use the ID can go to the bank — some banks take it as an ID; some banks do not, but we do have college students or even individuals that are traveling and they need some form of identification,” Douglas said.
Fawkes mentioned that the Elections System of the Virgin Islands has been exploring various innovative methods to boost voter turnout, such as promoting civic voting in high schools and utilizing social media.
“We try to work from the sixth grade up because I think that’s where we need to start with the sample ballots,” she explained. Fawkes said they’ve used subject matters that the sixth graders are familiar with. Fawkes gave examples like colors, flavors of ice cream, pizza, etc., as practice so that by the time they arrive at high school, they are familiar. Fawkes said the group that needs the most prodding is the 18-25 age group.
Fawkes announced that the Elections System of the Virgin Islands is working with local agencies to organize expos aimed at promoting voter registration. The first expo will take place on St. Thomas Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elections System Office in the ground floor parking area around the Banco Popular building at Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center. There will also be expos on St. John from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cruz Bay Band Stand, and on St. Croix on Sep. 28 at Sunny Isles from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers at the Election Systems say there will be activities for children and exhibitors from local businesses, as well as tables where registration information will be available.
The Elections System has provided updates regarding the election date, which is set for Nov. 5, and the process for submitting absentee ballots. Absentee ballots are now available for completion online or in person at the Elections Office. Individuals can have the office mail the ballot to them or pick it up in person. Once the ballot is completed, it can be returned by mail, email, or fax.
“Once you email or fax the ballot back you waive your rights and that’s a form you will need to complete,” Fawkes said.
Early voting will start from Oct. 14 – Oct. 28 on St. Thomas and St. Croix from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. St. John has fewer dates from Oct. 21 – Oct. 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more updates follow the Elections System of the Virgin Islands Facebook page.
