The V.I. Board of Elections held an emergency meeting on Thursday, resulting in the decision to remove the names of party candidates for territorial offices from the ballots. Only candidates for public offices will remain listed.

This decision followed an executive session attended by board members and attorneys from the V.I. Department of Justice. The action responds to a V.I. District Court ruling earlier this year that found certain sections of the territory’s election laws unconstitutional.

Additionally, the board announced that the casting of lots for public offices will take place on Tuesday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m.

During the public portion of the meeting, the board addressed a request from the territory’s Democratic Party for assistance with their upcoming caucus. The caucus will elect delegates to attend the 2024 Democratic National Convention and select their presidential nominee on June 8, with early voting available two days prior.

The Democratic Party requested voting screens, lockboxes for ballot collection and storage, and a voter registration drive on caucus day. Despite one dissenting vote, the board agreed to provide the requested support.

The Virgin Islands Election System has recently updated the voter registration status of numerous residents in the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John districts due to their non-participation in the last two consecutive general elections. This measure aligns with Title 18 Section 110 of the Virgin Islands Code, aimed at keeping the voter registry current.

Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes emphasized that residents marked as inactive are still registered voters and can vote. These individuals must simply update their registration details before 7:00 p.m. on Election Day to reactivate their status.

On Election Day, inactive voters are required to complete an affirmation of current and continuous residence. This form verifies their ongoing residence at the registered address, or notes any changes within or across district boundaries in the Virgin Islands. After voting, their registration status will be upgraded to active, streamlining participation in upcoming elections without further residency verification.

This update is a key component of a wider initiative to maintain an accurate and current electoral roll, enhancing the integrity of the voting process across the islands. The names of those shifted to inactive status can be found in the Inactive Voters Listing for both the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John districts.

Residents are urged to check their voter registration status and update their information if necessary to ensure a smooth voting experience. The Office of the Supervisor of Elections offers additional information and assistance to voters needing help with the registration process.