Supervisor of Elections, Caroline Fawkes issues this formal clarification and enforcement notice regarding inactive voter status and its direct impact on nomination petitions and nomination papers under Virgin Islands law.
Pursuant to Title 18, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 5, §110, an elector designated as Inactive remains eligible to vote. Upon appearing to vote, the elector’s identity is verified in accordance with statutory procedures, and the elector is permitted to cast a ballot.
However, pursuant to Title 18, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 13, §261 and Chapter 17, §347(b) and §381(b), only qualified, active electors may be counted for purposes of Nomination Petitions and Nomination Papers.
Signatures submitted by inactive voters are invalid and will be rejected.
A voter is designated Inactive when the elector fails to respond within 30 days to an official notice requesting confirmation of residence, as required by law. Such designation reflects that the voter’s registration is no longer fully verified.
The Elections System will strictly enforce all statutory verification requirements. Nomination submissions containing signatures from inactive voters, unverified electors, or otherwise ineligible individuals will be disqualified during the certification process.
This is not a discretionary standard. It is a mandatory legal requirement designed to protect the integrity of the electoral process. Inactive voter records may reflect critical discrepancies, including but not limited to outdated registration information, relocation, or registration in another jurisdiction. The law requires that only verified electors be counted.
Inactive voters are encouraged to restore their status by completing a Voter Reinstatement Form in accordance with Title 18, Chapter 5, §110, affirming their current residence. Upon proper verification and participation in the voting process, the elector’s status will be returned to Active.
Aspirants are hereby advised to exercise due diligence and to obtain substantially more than the minimum number of required signatures. Failure to do so may result in a Notice of Defect, which grants you three (3) days to correct. Not meeting this requirement could result in a disqualification due to insufficient valid signatures after statutory review.
ESVI recommends individuals to utilize the convenient online option to register to vote or to update their voting status. All voters are asked to stay tuned to local media for any updates about upcoming elections.
The Office of the Supervisor of Elections will continue to administer the 2026 Election cycle in full compliance with law—ensuring elections that are fair, secure, and beyond reproach.
For official guidance, contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at (340) 773-1021 or visit www.vivote.gov.
