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TESTIMONY BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE OF THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection August 8, 2025 CAROLINE F. FAWKES SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS ELECTIONS SYSTEM OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS INTRODUCTION 1 Good morning, Honorable Chairman Avery L. Lewis, distinguished 2 members of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans 3 Affairs, and Consumer Protection, esteemed colleagues joining us in 4 person and virtually via YouTube and Facebook, members of the 5 press, and the broader viewing and listening public. 6 My name is Caroline Fawkes, and I serve as the Supervisor of 7 Elections of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands. I am proud to 8 hold the designation of Certified Elections Registration Administrator 9 (CERA), a credential I have maintained for over nine years. 10 It is a privilege to appear before this body to provide a comprehensive 11 overview of the Office of the Supervisor of Elections. My testimony 12 will address our enabling legislation and jurisdiction, current 13 departmental challenges, proposed solutions, and other matters 14 relevant to the agency’s status, functions, and operations. 15 Vision, Mission & Commitment to Voters 16 Our work is guided by a clear vision and mission, both of which 17 reflect our unwavering commitment to the voters of this territory. Our 18 logo and motto - Fair, Accessible, Secure, and Transparent— 19 encapsulates the values that define our operations and our promise 20 to the public. 21 2 We remain steadfast in our dedication to ensuring that every eligible 22 voter can participate in free and fair elections, supported by systems 23 that are secure, transparent, and compliant with the American with 24 Disability Act (ADA). 25 Vision Statement 26 To restore and strengthen public confidence in the electoral system 27 by ensuring that all elections conducted in the United States Virgin 28 Islands are Fair, Accessible, Secure, and Transparent. 29 Mission Statement 30 The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is committed to: 31 • Conducting reliable elections and maintaining accurate voter 32 registration records for Virgin Islands citizens. 33 • Upholding all applicable laws, policies, and judicial decisions at 34 both federal and local levels. 35 • Pursuing excellence and professional competence through 36 continuous education and expertise in election administration. 37 • Preserving public trust in the integrity and impartiality of the 38 electoral process. 39 • Ensuring equal access to democratic participation for all eligible 40 voters. 41 3 • Serving as a positive and responsive presence in the 42 community, accessible to individuals and groups alike. 43 • Safeguarding the public interest from undue influence or 44 partisan manipulation, while respecting the rights of all. 45 • Operating efficiently through effective management, clear 46 communication, and a well-structured election environment. 47 • Upholding the highest standards of integrity in every aspect of 48 the electoral process. 49 Our Commitment to Voters 50 Our staff pledges to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter 51 registration rolls, ensuring that every qualified voter has a fair and 52 equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process. 53 Staffing & Team Excellence 54 I begin by recognizing the exceptional team that powers this office. 55 Collectively, our staff brings decades of experience to the 56 administration of elections. 57 Terrell Alexandre, CERA – St. Croix Deputy Supervisor; Kevermay 58 Douglas, CERA – St. Thomas/St. John Deputy Supervisor; Ulette 59 Todmann-Hodge and Milagritos Venzen – Senior Elections 60 Assistants; Sheri Richardson; Mari Felix; Stephanie Joseph; Uri 61 4 Peters; Mariana Romero – Election Assistants; and Tricia Johnson, 62 Administrative Assistant; and Denise Moore, Administrator of Fiscal 63 & Personnel Services, and Richard Wilson, Board of Elections 64 Executive Assistant. 65 This team exemplifies professionalism, resilience, and innovation. 66 They operate with independence and diligence, consistently meeting 67 deadlines and exceeding expectations. Their proactive approach and 68 resourcefulness allow us to navigate challenges effectively, fostering 69 a collaborative and solutions-oriented work environment. 70 Office of the Supervisor 71 The Supervisor of Elections serves as a Constitutional Officer under 72 the 1954 Revised Organic Act and Virgin Islands law, entrusted 73 with administering elections and managing voter registration. This 74 office plays a critical role in safeguarding the democratic process 75 and ensuring public trust in electoral outcomes. 76 Core Responsibilities: 77 • Voter Registration & Roll Maintenance: Maintain accurate 78 and current voter records. 79 • Candidate Qualification: Certify candidates for public office. 80 • Poll Worker Recruitment: Train and assign election 81 personnel. 82 • Cybersecurity Measures: Protect election systems and voter 83 data. 84 5 • Voter Education & Outreach: Promote understanding of 85 voting procedures and civic engagement. 86 • Absentee & Vote-by-Mail Services: 87 o Send advance election notices to overseas and military 88 voters, and those requesting absentee ballots. 89 o Accept, send, receive, and verify Vote-by-Mail ballots. 90 • Voting Center Operations: Acquire and equip voting centers 91 for accessibility and efficiency. 92 • Election Data & Equipment Management: 93 o Maintain statistics on election results, voting history, and 94 registration trends. 95 o Conduct pre- and post-election equipment testing. 96 o Maintain financial records related to election operations. 97 These efforts collectively protect the integrity of ballots and voter 98 rolls, while enhancing public confidence in the electoral process. 99 Voter Registration Requirements – U.S.Virgin Islands 100 To register as a voter in the U.S. Virgin Islands, individuals must 101 meet the following criteria: 102 • Be a citizen of the United States 103 • Be at least 18 years old or turn 18 before the next election 104 • Meet the residency requirement 105 • Not be a convicted felon unless discharged or pardoned 106 • Not have been adjudged mentally incompetent to vote by a 107 court of competent jurisdiction 108 • Not be registered elsewhere—in any other U.S. State or 109 Territory, foreign country, or election district 110 111 6 Required Documents for Registration 112 Applicants must present original documents (copies are not 113 accepted). Acceptable forms of identification include: 114 • United States Birth Certificate 115 • United States Passport 116 • Military Discharge Form (DD214) 117 • Naturalization Certificate 118 Online Voter Registration Portal 119 On January 16, 2025, the Elections System of the Virgin Islands 120 launched its Online Voter Registration Portal, expanding access and 121 convenience for voters. To date, the portal has been used by: 122 • 18 individuals on St. Thomas (STT) 123 • 1 individual on St. John (STJ) 124 • 10 individuals on St. Croix (STX) 125 Through the portal, users can: 126 1. Register as a new voter 127 2. Update voter registration information 128 3. Cancel their voter registration 129 4. Request an absentee ballot 130 Online voter registration (OVR) was first introduced in Arizona in 131 2002 and has since gained widespread adoption due to its cost- 132 effectiveness, efficiency, and ability to improve the accuracy of voter 133 rolls. As of now, 43 states, Washington D.C., and Guam offer online 134 registration. The Virgin Islands has now joined this group. 135 7 To urge the public to utilize online voter registration, we are 136 committed to conducting major public education campaigns on this 137 process throughout 2025–2026, fulfilling a long-standing goal to 138 modernize voter access and engagement. 139 Elections are a process, not an event. Every election comprises 140 numerous elements and involves multiple institutions and actors 141 throughout the pre-election, election day and post-election periods, all 142 of which affect the transparency, inclusiveness, accountability, and 143 competitiveness of the election. The post-election period provides an 144 opportunity for stakeholders to evaluate the process and undertake 145 necessary reforms. ESVI evaluates the election process and defines 146 ways to reform and strengthen elements within each phase. This 147 critical time between elections is also used to prepare for future 148 elections, including updating voter lists and addressing issues with 149 the legal framework or institutional management. 150 151 8 Elections at a Glance: 152 153 Elections are more than just a polling day exercise; they are the 154 heartbeat of representative democracy. This foundational principle 155 highlights the unequivocal fact that electoral processes are not merely 156 administrative rituals but central mechanisms for legitimizing 157 governance. 158 9 On election day we are not managing one event, we are managing 159 multiple events. In 2014 we had over twenty-eight (28) polling places. 160 For greater efficiency and convenient voter access, we now have 161 eleven (11) voting centers, all happening simultaneously. This calls for 162 accuracy, training, experience, dedication, synchronization, 163 determination, and leadership. 164 Electoral management bodies encounter numerous risks across all 165 phases of the electoral cycle. We operate in environments that are 166 increasingly complex and sometimes volatile and where factors such 167 as technology, demographics, human security, inaccurate or 168 incomplete information and natural calamities, to mention a few, 169 create increasing uncertainty. When risks are not understood and 170 addressed, they can undermine the credibility of the process and the 171 results it yields. 172 Strategic Planning 173 Elections are normally planned 18 to 24 months before polling day 174 and occur as a widely dispersed exercise requiring significant 175 planning and preparatory activities. Integrated strategic planning by 176 the electoral and security institutions is essential. That is why we 177 prioritize, allocate and coordinate necessary resources. 178 Elections are major logistical endeavors that require substantial 179 resources and personnel mobilization. 180 181 Legislative Recommendations: Modernizing Title 18 of the 182 Virgin Islands Code 183 10 Due to time consideration, I will be conservative with the length of 184 this presentation. I will only list a few laws that we urgently 185 recommend the need to be amended. We are aware some of these 186 recommended amendments are already in the Legislature Legal 187 Counsel for review. Some already have a BR number. 188 The Elections System of the Virgin Islands (ESVI) respectfully urges 189 the Legislature to undertake a comprehensive update of VIC Title 190 18, which governs election law in the Territory. Originally enacted 191 decades ago, Title 18 is now outdated, ambiguous, and insufficient 192 to meet the demands of modern election administration. 193 To ensure alignment with current technologies, legal standards, and 194 best practices, we propose targeted revisions that will enhance 195 transparency, equity, and operational efficiency. 196 Proposed Revisions to Title 18 – Chapter 29 197 Disclosure and Limitations on Campaign Contributions (§ 901–911) 198 § 902. Definitions 199 (2) “Committee” or “political committee” 200 Current language: Any committee, club, association, or other group 201 of persons which receives contributions or makes expenditures 202 during any calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding $1,000. 203 Proposed revision: Increase threshold to $3,500.00. 204 Rationale: This provision dates back to 1990. To maintain relevance 205 and fairness, contribution thresholds must be periodically adjusted 206 for inflation and economic conditions. 207 § 907. Limitations on Contributions 208 (a) No person shall make contributions: 209 11 (1) To any candidate or their authorized political committee 210 Current limit: $1,000 per election 211 Proposed revision: Increase to $3,500.00 per election 212 (2) To any multicandidate political committee 213 Rationale: These contribution limits have remained unchanged for 214 over three decades. Updating them reflects economic realities and 215 ensures that campaign financing regulations remain equitable and 216 enforceable. 217 Why Modernization Matters 218 • Technological Alignment: Title 18 must reflect the digital tools 219 and platforms now used in voter registration, ballot access, 220 and campaign finance. 221 • Legal Clarity: Ambiguities in the current code hinder 222 enforcement and public understanding. 223 • Best Practices: Aligning with national standards promotes 224 transparency, voter confidence, and administrative efficiency. 225 We welcome collaboration with the Legislature and the public to 226 ensure that Title 18 evolves to meet the needs of today’s voters and 227 election administrators. These proposed revisions are a critical step 228 toward strengthening our democratic infrastructure. 229 Additional Legislative Recommendations: Proposed Additions 230 and Revisions to Chapter 1 – General Provisions, Section 1, 231 Definitions, and electoral reforms measures. 232 To modernize and clarify Virgin Islands Code Title 18, we respectfully 233 propose the following additions and revisions to Chapter 1 – General 234 Provisions, Section 1: 235 Add: Runoff Election 236 12 A continuation of the General Election is considered a second 237 election. It is held when the top vote-getting candidate in the initial 238 general election fails to achieve the minimum percentage of votes 239 required for victory. 240 Add: Initiative 241 The initiative process allows citizens to propose new statutes or 242 constitutional amendments. This mechanism enables voters to 243 bypass the Legislature by placing proposed measures directly on the 244 ballot. There are two types: 245 • Direct Initiative – Qualified proposals go directly to the ballot. 246 • Indirect Initiative – Proposals are submitted to the Legislature, 247 who may enact the measure or a similar version. If not enacted, 248 the proposal proceeds to the ballot for public vote. 249 Add: Referendum 250 The referendum process empowers citizens to challenge legislation 251 passed by the Legislature by placing it on the ballot for public vote. 252 • Legislative Referendum: A measure referred by the Legislature 253 for voter approval. 254 • Popular Referendum: A measure placed on the ballot through a 255 citizen petition to approve or repeal a law. 256 13 While similar to the initiative process, the popular referendum 257 specifically targets laws already enacted by the Legislature. 258 Add: Recall 259 Recall is a political mechanism that allows voters to remove and 260 replace a public official before the end of their term. 261 • Unlike impeachment, which is a legal process, recall is initiated 262 by citizens through petition and vote. 263 Revise: Recount 264 A recount is the re-tabulation of votes to verify the accuracy of 265 election results. 266 • Recounts may be triggered by narrow margins, allegations of 267 fraud, or administrative discrepancies. Suggest we add a 268 percentage to serve as the threshold. 269 • Candidate Eligibility: Individuals with felony convictions should 270 be prohibited from running for public offices such as Governor, 271 Lieutenant Governor, or Delegate to Congress. 272 We recommend codifying the following practices to ensure 273 fairness and transparency in elections: 274 This provision should be explicitly stated in Title 18, especially in 275 areas where the Revised Organic Act of 1954 is silent. The era of 276 14 informal “gentlemen’s agreements” must give way to clear, 277 enforceable law. 278 Departmental Accomplishments 279 The work of the Office of the Supervisor of Elections does not stop in 280 a non-election year and as such, we have made significant strides 281 this year in professional development, voter outreach, and 282 administrative improvements: 283 Staff Training: 284 Ninety-five percent (95%) of staff completed The Ritz-Carlton 285 Customer Service One-Day Training. 286 Many staff members have completed or are pursuing elections 287 certification through the Election Center. 288 Staff also participate in the Division of Personnel and the University 289 of the Virgin Islands trainings. 290 Voter Communication: 291 • Notices were sent to electors regarding inactive status, missing 292 documentation (e.g., birth date, social security number, 293 passport, or birth certificate number), name and address 294 changes, and required updates. 295 Picture IDs were mailed to voters who participated in early voting. 296 Administrative Updates: 297 15 • Polling precincts were renamed and reorganized to adapt to 298 changing circumstances, utilized names of former elections 299 officials and improve efficiency. This project entailed exporting 300 files for over 50,000 registered voters. Letters were prepared and 301 mailed informing voters of their new polling places. 302 • Two vendors (Experian and Accurint) have been contracted to 303 provide an additional data management tool, a direct 304 connection to over thirty-four billion current public records. To 305 detect fraud, verify identities and conduct investigations. 306 Experian is a multinational data broker and consumer credit 307 reporting company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Experian 308 collects and aggregates information on more than one billion 309 people and businesses including 235 million individual U.S. 310 consumers and more than 25 million U.S. businesses. 311 Accurint for Government can be used to verify, locate, and 312 `authenticate the identities of people through Lexis Nexis. 313 `Accurint offers fast, efficient search technology that allows the 314 user to instantly both locate people and authenticate their 315 identities. It verifies such essential personal information as 316 name, address and social security number or federal 317 identification number. These vendors are respected voter 318 registration and maintenance service providers assisting to 319 16 create process efficiencies and reduce the number of 320 undeliverable mailers. 321 • By August 31st, we will launch an ElectionStats database on 322 our elections website. ElectionStats, built by Civera since 2012, 323 is a publishing platform and a searchable data warehouse of 324 historic elections, ballot questions, and voter turnout statistics. 325 This software brings public data to life. This portal will enable 326 users to find what they are looking for in a few clicks, and the 327 platform provides data visualizations to enhance their 328 experience. 329 Operational Enhancements & Voter Engagement 330 The Office of the Supervisor of Elections continues to modernize and 331 refine its operations to better serve the electorate and uphold 332 democratic principles: 333 Voter Roll Maintenance & Outreach 334 • Letters were sent to voters with missing signatures, social 335 security numbers and photos. 336 • Updates were made to street segments, including renaming and 337 adjusting low/high street numbers. 338 • Renaming of street addresses and precincts were initiated to 339 avoid confusion, accuracy, and standardization. 340 • Active and inactive voters were placed under “undeliverable” 341 mailing status to ensure proper follow-up. 342 Voting Access 343 17 • Voting Centers were instituted in 2022, allowing voters to cast 344 ballots at any location within their district. 345 • Public Service Announcements (PSAs) were produced in skit 346 format and culturally familiar language for social media and 347 television to increase awareness, create interest and 348 engagement. 349 Technology & Innovation 350 To meet technical challenges, we are embracing innovative 351 technologies which create environments for growth, learning and 352 development: 353 • Next Gen E-Pollbooks and Printers were deployed to streamline 354 check-in and ballot issuance. 355 • We are in the process of transitioning from manual 356 documentation to electronic tablets for Election Judges, 357 improving efficiency and accuracy in election day operations. 358 • Connected platforms improve communication and coordination 359 across election teams. 360 • Transitioning to electronic documentation via tablets for 361 Election Judges enhance efficiency and accuracy. 362 Voter Empowerment 363 My greatest desire is to see every eligible resident register and vote. 364 The right to vote is one of our most cherished privileges as American 365 citizens. We offer multiple avenues to exercise this right, including in 366 person registration, online voter registration, absentee voting, early 367 voting, and in-person at the voting centers. 368 369 18 Safeguarding Electoral Integrity & Protecting Officials 370 Electoral officials are the guardians of democracy, tasked with 371 ensuring elections are conducted transparently, fairly, and lawfully. 372 However, the evolving information environment presents serious 373 threats to their safety and the credibility of the electoral process. 374 Emerging Threats 375 • Surveillance tools and spyware pose grave risks, particularly to 376 female electoral officials in high-visibility roles. These 377 technologies can be weaponized for smear campaigns, extortion, 378 and doxing, with devastating personal and professional 379 consequences. 380 • The credibility of electoral outcomes is jeopardized when 381 officials are targeted, undermining public trust and democratic 382 institutions. 383 • The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) amplifies the 384 effectiveness of disinformation and manipulation, making 385 coordinated attacks more sophisticated and damaging. 386 Harassment & Hostile Environment 387 Electoral staff and volunteers face increasing threats, including: 388 • Mailed fentanyl powder. 389 • Bomb scares 390 • Doxing and online harassment 391 Such hostility erodes morale and discourages civic participation, 392 threatening the integrity of the electoral workforce. Despite these 393 19 concerns, ESVI continues its commitment to keep voters and staff 394 safe while engaging in election processes but more is needed. 395 Strategic Response & Policy Recommendations 396 To protect electoral officials and preserve democratic processes, we 397 urge the Legislature and stakeholders to consider the following: 398 Codes of Conduct 399 • Develop and enforce codes of conduct tailored to the roles of 400 political parties, candidates, media, tech platforms, and civil 401 society. 402 • Ensure all actors respect the independence and neutrality of 403 electoral management bodies. 404 Strategic Communication 405 • Implement reputation management mechanisms to bolster 406 public trust in elections. 407 • Establish a rapid response team to monitor and counter 408 disinformation targeting electoral officials and processes. 409 Intersectional Protection 410 • Design targeted protections for electoral officials based on their 411 roles, responsibilities, and exposure in both online and offline 412 environments. 413 • Promote firm commitments from all stakeholders to uphold 414 human rights and democratic values. 415 Challenges Facing the Office of the Supervisor of Elections 416 20 Despite our progress, several critical challenges continue to impact 417 the effectiveness and integrity of the Virgin Islands Elections System. 418 These issues require urgent attention and coordinated legislative and 419 public support: 420 Engaging Citizens 421 Educating citizens is not enough; we must empower them to take 422 their rightful place in democracy. 423 Voter registration must be framed not just as a legal requirement but 424 as a civic duty. 425 We must inspire participation, especially among the youths, by 426 emphasizing that voting is a powerful tool for change. 427 High school and university students should be actively registered and 428 encouraged to serve as election officials. 429 Recruiting Election Officials 430 Recruiting and retaining qualified election officials remains a 431 challenge. 432 We must build a pipeline of civic-minded individuals, including 433 students, to support election operations and uphold democratic 434 values. 435 Voting Center Conditions 436 Utilizing public schools as voting centers presents logistical and 437 environmental challenges: 438 Broken air conditioning creates uncomfortable conditions for voters 439 and staff. 440 Insufficient electrical outlets hinder the use of essential equipment. 441 21 Centralized locations 442 Such limitations may force us to rent private facilities, increasing 443 costs and complicating logistics. 444 Funding Dilemma 445 Our mission depends on adequate financial resources to: 446 • Maintain and expand voter outreach and education initiatives. 447 • Ensure reliable and efficient operations. 448 • Meet statutory deadlines and uphold electoral integrity. 449 Without sufficient funding, the credibility and functionality of our 450 electoral system are at risk. 451 Combatting Misinformation 452 The integrity of our elections is under siege from misinformation, 453 disinformation, and mal-information. 454 We urge voters to seek accurate information from our official website 455 at vivote.gov and/or contact our offices directly with questions. We 456 are always willing and able to help set the record straight 457 458 Term Descriptions and Definitions for Clarity: 459 Misinformation--false or misleading content shared unknowingly. 460 Disinformation--deliberately false content spread to deceive or 461 manipulate. 462 Mal-information--true information shared out of context or with 463 harmful intent. 464 Elections are built on trusting our systems, our data, and our 465 processes. Regrettably, that trust is being actively undermined by 466 22 adversaries, both domestic and foreign, using increasingly 467 sophisticated influence tactics since 2016. 468 469 Voter Suppression and Disenfranchisement 470 Voter suppression tactics such as intimidation, misinformation, and 471 restrictive voter registration laws can prevent eligible citizens from 472 participating in elections. 473 Common Electoral Risks 474 1. Voter Suppression and Disenfranchisement 475 Voter suppression tactics such as intimidation, misinformation, 476 and restrictive voter registration laws can prevent eligible citizens 477 from participating in elections. 478 • Mitigation Strategies: 479 o Strengthening voter education campaigns to counter 480 misinformation. 481 o Implementing policies that ensure equal access to polling 482 stations. 483 o Encouraging local election monitoring to detect and report 484 suppression efforts. 485 2. Electoral Violence and Intimidation 486 Violence during elections, often fueled by political tensions, can 487 discourage voter participation and lead to instability. This includes 488 attacks on candidates, polling stations, and election officials. 489 • Mitigation Strategies: 490 23 o Strengthening security at polling stations and high-risk 491 areas. 492 o Engaging political parties in peace accords and electoral 493 conflict resolution mechanisms. 494 o Conducting civic education programs that promote non- 495 violent political participation. 496 3. Cybersecurity Threats 497 With the increasing use of technology in elections, cyber threats 498 such as hacking, misinformation campaigns, and data breaches 499 pose significant risks. 500 • Mitigation Strategies: 501 o Investing in robust cybersecurity infrastructure for election 502 management systems. 503 o Conducting regular audits and penetration testing on 504 electronic voting systems. 505 o Training election officials on cybersecurity best practices. 506 o 507 4. Logistical and Administrative Failures 508 Poor planning can result in delayed election materials, malfunctioning 509 equipment, and disorganized polling stations, which may lead to voter 510 frustration and disenfranchisement. 511 • Mitigation Strategies: 512 o Conducting thorough pre-election assessments and 513 contingency planning. 514 o Ensuring timely distribution of election materials. 515 o Training election staff to handle unexpected challenges 516 effectively. 517 24 6. Misinformation and Fake News 518 The spread of false information can mislead voters, create 519 unnecessary panic, and influence election outcomes unfairly 520 • Mitigation Strategies: 521 o Fact-checking initiatives and collaboration with media 522 organizations to counter false narratives. 523 o Promoting digital literacy and awareness campaigns among 524 voters. 525 o Monitoring and regulating social media platforms to curb 526 the spread of disinformation. 527 Elections should be a true reflection of the people’s will, free from 528 manipulation, violence, and technical failures. By identifying and 529 mitigating electoral risks, stakeholders—including electoral 530 commissions, political parties, civil society organizations, and voters— 531 can contribute to a more transparent, secure, and democratic 532 process. 533 534 10 Reasons Why Voting Is Important 535 The history of voting and elections stretches back to ancient 536 civilizations. In Ancient Greece, one of the earliest democracies, only 537 male landowners could vote—a restriction echoed across centuries 538 and continents. Over time, marginalized groups, including women, 539 fought for and won expanded voting rights. Today, voting remains 540 one of the most powerful tools citizens have to shape their society. 541 542 543 25 Here are ten compelling reasons why voting matters: 544 545 1.Voting Protects Democracy 546 A vibrant democracy depends on active participation. When citizens 547 vote, elected officials are held accountable and must represent the 548 interests of the people. Low voter turnout weakens this accountability 549 and risks eroding democratic values. 550 2. Every Vote Matters 551 Elections are often decided by narrow margins. One vote can make 552 the difference in local, territorial, and national outcomes. When 553 everyone believes that their vote counts, democracy becomes more 554 representative and inclusive. 555 3. Voting Shapes Social Agendas 556 Issues like marriage equality, reproductive rights, capital 557 punishment, freedom of speech, and religious freedom are all 558 influenced by elected officials. Voting ensures your voice is heard on 559 the social issues that affect your life and community. 560 4. Voting Shapes the Economy 561 Economic policies—such as tax laws, student loan programs, 562 healthcare costs, and social security—are determined by those in 563 office. Voting allows citizens to influence how public funds are 564 allocated and which economic priorities are pursued. 565 ` 5. Voting Affects Environmental Policies 566 Climate change and environmental sustainability are urgent global 567 concerns. Elected leaders make decisions about conservation, 568 26 energy, and environmental regulations. Voting empowers citizens to 569 choose leaders who prioritize the planet’s future. 570 6️. Voting Influences Foreign Policy 571 Trade agreements, diplomatic relations, and military engagements all 572 fall under foreign policy. These decisions impact gas prices, job 573 markets, and international stability. Voting helps shape how your 574 territory or nation interacts with the world. 575 7. Voting Impacts Your Wallet 576 From local taxes to national budgets, elected officials decide how 577 money is spent and who pays what. Voting gives you a say in fiscal 578 policies that directly affect your financial well-being. 579 8. Voting Holds Leaders Accountable 580 Elected officials must answer the voters. If they fail to deliver on 581 promises or act against public interest, voters can remove them from 582 the office. This accountability is the cornerstone of a functioning 583 democracy. 584 9. Voting Impacts the Present and the Future 585 While voting addresses current concerns, it also shapes the future. 586 Decisions made today affect generations to come—on education, 587 infrastructure, civil rights, and more. 588 10. Voting Protects Human Rights 589 • The right to vote is a fundamental human right. It safeguards 590 other rights, including freedom of expression and association. 591 Participating in elections helps preserve the liberties that define 592 democratic societies. 593 27 • Voter suppression is not a relic of the past—it is a persistent 594 challenge that has shaped our nation since its founding. From 595 the earliest days of the United States, anti-democratic forces 596 have 597 • Voting Rights for Disabled Americans 598 While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits 599 blanket disqualification, thirty-nine (39) states still have laws that 600 can deny voting rights to individuals deemed “mentally 601 incapacitated.” In all but eleven states, some disabled Americans 602 remain barred from voting. 603 We must remain vigilant. The right to vote is not just a privilege, it is 604 a human right that must be protected and expanded for all. 605 606 A Call to Action 607 The challenges we face are formidable, and the forces arrayed against 608 us are powerful. But I have faith in the people of the U.S. Virgin 609 Islands – and in all American people— that we hold true to our 610 resilience, our ingenuity, and our unwavering commitment to the 611 ideals that define this nation. 612 Together, we can protect the sanctity of our elections, empower every 613 eligible voter, and ensure that democracy remains vibrant and strong 614 in the Virgin Islands. 615 616 617 618 619 28 GOALS: 620 a. Participate in National Voter Registration Day on September 15th. 621 The 2025 season of National Voter Registration Day has officially 622 launched! The dedication of thousands of partner organizations is 623 building a nationwide coalition to help ensure that America and the 624 U.S. Virgin Islands are #VoteReady for their next trip to the ballot 625 box. 626 b. Develop a platform that provides digital voter registration 627 identification cards, allowing voters to store them on mobile devices. 628 c. Launch an interactive campaign to increase community awareness 629 of our online voter registration portal, specifically targeting 630 individuals aged 18-40. 631 d. Organize an Expo on all three islands on September 23, 2026. This 632 event will coincide with the final day of registration before the period 633 closes on October 11, 2026. Whether you are new to the voter 634 registration process or a veteran of National Voter Registration Day, 635 everyone can benefit from assistance getting their friends, family, and 636 the broader community registered to vote. We will partner with 637 various government and non-profit organizations to ensure that this 638 event is informative, educational, and provides networking 639 opportunities. 640 e. Purchase tablets and a portal on our website for the judges to 641 compile their reports. This will transition them from manual journal 642 reporting to electronic reporting. 643 f. Continue implementing upgraded technology and conducting 644 successful elections in the 2026 Election cycle. 645 29 g. Increase voter registration numbers and participation rates. 646 h. Plan and execute another successful Civics Matter Quiz Bowl in 647 2025-2026 to include all the high schools territorially. 648 649 Final Reflection 650 The challenges we face are real. The forces working to undermine 651 democracy are powerful. But I have faith in the Virgin Islands 652 people—in our resilience, our ingenuity, and our unwavering 653 commitment to justice and equality. 654 Let us continue to protect the vote, empower every eligible citizen, 655 and ensure that democracy thrives in the Virgin Islands and beyond. 656 The Election System of the Virgin Islands has grown tremendously 657 since the beginning of 2000. Many initiatives were implemented first 658 in the Virgin Islands only to be replicated stateside. We are the 659 vanguards of election efficiency. 660 661 Closing Remarks 662 I will close with a quote that speaks to the spirit of progress and 663 adaptation: “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” 664 —Winston Churchill 665 666 30 Chairman Lewis, Members of the Committee on Government 667 Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection: 668 Thank you for the opportunity to present the operational functions, 669 accomplishments, challenges, and goals of the Office of the 670 Supervisor of Elections. 671 I am prepared to respond to any questions you may have relating to 672 the Office of the Supervisor operations. 673 Your Voice, Your Vote—and Your Vote is Your Voice. 674