A Fresh Perspective on Electing the Legislature: A Proposal for Systemic Reform

The need for systemic change in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ legislative framework is a conversation that is gaining momentum. The current electoral system, which pits colleagues within the same legislative district against each other, stands as a significant barrier to the collaborative, policy-focused governance the Territory deserves. This adversarial approach to elections, particularly within the Legislature, hinders the enactment of public policy beneficial to the islands’ residents.

The core issue lies in the electoral process for the Legislature, particularly the practice of party primaries followed by a unique “jungle” general election for the St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix seats. This system forces incumbents from the same district to campaign against one another for one of the seven nominations, fostering a competitive rather than collaborative environment. This electoral structure inadvertently prompts Senators to prioritize campaign strategies over policy development, focusing on distinguishing themselves from their peers to secure a spot in the top seven finishers.

The repercussions of this system are manifold. It encourages Senators to engage in performative actions at hearings and to pass legislation that, while popular, does not necessarily reflect the substantive policy needs of the Territory. Furthermore, the practice of “bullet voting” emerges, where voters, aiming to avoid diluting their support, may cast fewer votes than available, potentially skewing election outcomes towards those who can mobilize a base of exclusive supporters.

The proposal for reform is straightforward yet potentially transformative: implementing numbered seats for each sitting Senator from St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix. By assigning a specific number to each seat, candidates within the same party would run for a distinct seat in the primary elections, and incumbents would no longer directly compete against each other. This change aims to foster a genuine collegial atmosphere among Senators, enabling them to focus on policy and legislative work without the constant pressure of intra-party competition.

The adoption of numbered seats offers a practical solution without the complexities and legislative hurdles associated with sub-districting. While sub-districting could address long-term concerns about regional representation, its implementation is contingent upon action from the U.S. Congress, presenting a significant barrier to immediate reform. Numbered seats, however, can be enacted through the Legislature’s apportionment powers, providing a swift and effective path to systemic change.

This proposal is not merely a call for electoral reform but a vision for a more efficient, collaborative Legislature capable of enacting the best public policy for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The move towards numbered seats represents a critical step towards dismantling the barriers to effective governance, paving the way for a Legislature that can truly serve as a body of united colleagues rather than divided competitors. Governor Bryan and the current Senators have an opportunity to lead this change, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the democratic process and ensuring the Legislature functions as an effective instrument of public service.

Mark D. Hodge, Esq., presents a compelling case for immediate action. The time for debate has passed; the moment for action is now. Will our elected officials rise to the occasion?

-Mark D. Hodge, Esq. 1340 Taarneberg St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802