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THE RITZ CARLTON, ST. THOMAS, USVI FEBRUARY 25, 2023 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I lections E Gala Gala Virgin Islands Virgin Islands System of the Thriving With Integrity, Elections Celebrates Sixty ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 2 My Personal Pledge to Freedom, Democracy and My Profession I uphold the Constitution of the United States and the laws, policies and court decisions of federal, state and local jurisdictions; I commit to excellence and competence by maintaining the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the elections process through continuing education and self- evaluation; I am accountable for maintaining public confidence in honest and impartial elections which I conduct in a fair, efficient and accurate manner; I dignify voters by providing equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process; I am responsible for just and equitable treatment of the general public, elected officials and members of my profession; I manifest a positive role in community relations by being accessible and receptive to both individuals and groups; I have the courage and stamina to protect the public’s interest from manipulation for personal or partisan gain while respecting the rights of all; I am flexible and innovative within the framework of the law in carrying out my duties on behalf of the public’s interest; I conduct all fiscal responsibilities with wisdom and integrity, and I am accountable for all funds and resources committed to my charge; I maintain a productive and efficient operation through a well-managed election environment; I endeavor to maintain the highest level of integrity in performing all duties of my profession. ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 3 Mistress of Ceremony – Ms. Pamela Richards 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour / Interlude Steel Pan Music Invocation – Bishop Earl Harrison Welcome Remarks Introduction of Dignitaries Remarks Board Chairperson – Ms. Alecia M. Wells Senate President – Senator Novelle Francis, Jr. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett Governor – Albert Bryan, Jr. Musical Selection – Ms. Shikima Jones Sprauve Reading of the Election Proclamation – Ms. Kevermay Douglas Introduction of Guest Speaker – Ms. Caroline Fawkes Guest Speaker – Chairman Thomas Hicks, U.S. Election Assistance Commission Presentation to Guest Speaker – Ms. Kevermay Douglas Musical Selection – Ms. J’Nia Etienne CAHS 10th Grade Dinner – Saxophone/Steel Pan Music – Mr. Jeremiah Hodge (Kean Student -12th) Musical Selection – Saxophonist Recognition Awards – Mr. Terrell Alexandre Musical Selection – Mr. Jeremiah Hodge Presentation of Honorees -Longest Serving Election Officials – Ms. Kevermay Douglas Musical Selection – Ms. J’Nia Etienne Vote of Thanks Special Selection – Mr. Bernard Liburd Benediction – Minister Grace Harrison Dancing – Top Notch Band PROGRAM ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 4 Elections System of the Virgin Islands Proclamation WHEREAS, this is the 60th Anniversary of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands which was established by the enactment of a revised Title 18 of the Virgin Islands Code in Act No.936 February 20, 1963; and WHEREAS, prior to the extensive revisions embodied in Title 18 the Election System came under the auspices of first the Colonial Council and thereafter the Municipal Court of the Virgin Islands; and WHEREAS, throughout its history Title 18 was affected by multiple amendments all of which were superseded by Act 936 which established the Elections System as an autonomous agency of the Virgin Islands Government, stewarded by the Office of the Supervisor and an elected Board of Elections; ensuring greater autonomy, administrative structure and integrity. WHEREAS, this restructuring provided the framework upon which the integrity and confidence in the system has continued to grow; and WHEREAS, today; sixty years later the Virgin Islands Elections System remains a time honored and vital part of local government serving as the foundation and the guardian of our democracy; and WHEREAS, the Office of the Supervisor and the Board of Elections work collaboratively to conduct free, fair, accessible, secure and transparent elections; and WHEREAS, an essential component of their joint mission is the education of the electorate through community outreach education and workshops, WHEREAS, the steadfast adherence to this mission has enhanced understanding and appreciation of the voting process and has dramatically increased voter registration and turnout; and WHEREAS, as the System evolves the Supervisor, Administrative staff and the Board continue to thrive and strive to improve the voting process through community outreach, education and the employment of new more efficient technology; and WHEREAS, the public perception of the voting process depends largely on the voters’ experience at the polls it is also fitting that we laud the invaluable assistance of our loyal team of poll workers/election officials who play a vital role in assisting voters to seamlessly navigate new innovative voting technology; and WHEREAS, the success of these combined efforts has been demonstrated by increased public confidence ; and WHEREAS, the advent of early voting in concert with the employment of new more efficient voting technology has doubled voter participation since their implementation; and WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to our entire Election family for their steadfast work which fuels the continued growth of the system; and WHEREAS, we are wholeheartedly committed to the ideology expressed simply but profoundly by Former President Barack Obama, “There is no such thing as a vote that does not matter. It all matters.” NOW THEREFORE, I, Caroline F. Fawkes, Supervisor of Elections, with pride and humility salutes the Elections System team past and present for their tireless service as we celebrate this our 60th Anniversary of Thriving with Integrity as we continue to buttress the cornerstone of our democracy, the sanctity of our freedom, the right to vote.̶ Written By Board Member Lisa Harris Moorhead ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 5 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 6 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 7 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 8 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 9 Message from the Board of Elections ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 10 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 11 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 12 To the Elections System of the Virgin Islands As the President of the International Association of Government Officials (IGO) it is my pleasure to congratulate the Election System of the Virgin Islands on its 60th Anniversary. As a long time, member of IGO, the Election System of the Virgin Islands has aided in our vision to foster excellence in public service through education, innovation, and networking. We look forward to continued collaboration with you and wish you well on this auspicious occasion. Bill Werngren City of Gothenburg Senior Adviser Election Committee President iGO ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 13 homas Hicks was nominated by President Barack H. Obama and confirmed by unanimous consent of the United States Senate on December 16, 2014, to serve on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC).  Commissioner Hicks has focused his efforts on voter access. Under his leadership, the EAC developed a pocket-sized voter card that serves as a guide on voting rights for voters with disabilities. In addition, Mr. Hicks has addressed the difficulties overseas voters have when requesting and returning their ballots, such as dealing with foreign IP addresses and issues with timely ballot delivery.  Prior to his appointment with the EAC, Commissioner Hicks served as a senior elections counsel and minority elections counsel on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on House Administration, a position he held from 2003 to 2014. In this role, Mr. Hicks was responsible for issues relating to campaign finance, election reform, contested elections and oversight of both the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and the Federal Election Commission. His primary responsibility was providing guidance to the committee members and caucus on election issues. Prior to joining the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Hicks served as a senior lobbyist and policy analyst from 2001 to 2003 for Common Cause, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers citizens to make their voices heard in the political process and to hold their elected leaders accountable to the public interest. Mr. Hicks also served in the Clinton administration from 1993 to 2001 as a special assistant and legislative assistant in the Office of Congressional Relations for the Office of Personnel Management.   Mr. Hicks received his J.D. from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and his B.A. in Government from Clark University (Worcester, MA). He studied at the University of London (London, England) and law at the University of Adelaide (Adelaide, Australia).  T Guest Speaker Chairman Thomas Hicks U.S. Election Assistance Commission All the Board Members and Staff that we lost over the years. ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 16 History of ELECTIONS The earliest participatory visualizations were probably voting systems. Voting in Greece was introduced in the 5th century BC. Adult male citizens were invited to express their opinion by dropping a pebble in an urn: a white pebble meant “yes” and a black pebble meant “no”. Sometimes two urns were used. The left image is a detail of a Greek wine cup from the 5th century BC and is one of the earliest known depictions of the act of voting. The middle image is a modern reconstruction from a TV documentary. Secret voting was also in use, but it is unclear how (perhaps using “a contraption to obscure the urn into which a voter was placing his hand”). By the mid-4th century BC, a more elaborate method of secret voting was introduced based on bronze ballots whose difference could only be felt by touch. In the 19th century, freemasons and fraternities started to use ballot boxes to decide who should be included in the group or who should be expelled (see right image). The boxes had a small opening where each member would covertly insert a white marble to mean “yes”, or a black marble (or black cube) to mean “no”. After everyone voted, the box was opened so that all members could immediately see the results. Sometimes a single black marble or cube was sufficient to reject a proposition or an applicant, yielding the expression “blackballing”. Annelisa Stephen 2012 Although elections were used in ancient Athens, in Rome, and in the selection of popes and Holy Roman emperors, the origins of elections in the contemporary world lie in the gradual emergence of representative government in Europe and North America beginning in the 17th century. At that time, the holistic notion of representation characteristic of the Middle Ages was transformed into a more individualistic conception, one that made the individual the critical unit to be counted. Once governments were believed to derive their powers from the consent of the governed and expected to seek that consent regularly, it remained to decide precisely who was to be included among the governed whose consent was necessary. Advocates of full democracy favoured the establishment of universal adult suffrage. Across western Europe and North ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 17 America, adult male suffrage was ensured almost everywhere by 1920, though woman suffrage was not established until somewhat later (e.g., 1928 in Britain, 1944 in France, 1949 in Belgium, and 1971 in Switzerland). Although it is common to equate representative government and elections with democracy, and although competitive elections under universal suffrage are one of democracy’s defining characteristics, universal suffrage is not a necessary condition of competitive electoral politics. An electorate may be limited by formal legal requirements—as was the case before universal adult suffrage—or it may be limited by the failure of citizens to exercise their right to vote. In many countries with free elections, large numbers of citizens do not cast ballots. For example, in Switzerland and the United States, fewer than half the electorate vote in most elections. Although legal or self-imposed exclusion can dramatically affect public policy and even undermine the legitimacy of a government, it does not preclude decision making by election, provided that voters are given genuine alternatives among which to choose. During the 18th century, access to the political arena depended largely on membership in an aristocracy, and participation in elections was regulated mainly by local customs and arrangements. Although both the American and French revolutions declared every citizen formally equal to every other, the vote remained an instrument of political power possessed by very few. Even with the implementation of universal suffrage, the ideal of “one person, one vote” was not achieved in all countries. Systems of plural voting were maintained in some countries, giving certain social groups an electoral advantage. For example, in the United Kingdom, university graduates and owners of businesses in constituencies other than ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 18 those in which they lived could cast more than one ballot until 1948. Before World War I, both Austria and Prussia had three classes of weighted votes that effectively kept electoral power in the hands of the upper social strata. Until the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 in the United States, legal barriers and intimidation effectively barred most African Americans—especially those in the South— from being able to cast ballots in elections. Functions of Elections Elections make a fundamental contribution to democratic governance. Because direct democracy—a form of government in which political decisions are made directly by the entire body of qualified citizens—is impractical in most modern societies, democratic government must be conducted through representatives. Elections enable voters to select leaders and to hold them accountable for their performance in office. Accountability can be undermined when elected leaders do not care whether they are reelected or when, for historical or other reasons, one party or coalition is so dominant that there is effectively no choice for voters among alternative candidates, parties, or policies. Nevertheless, the possibility of controlling leaders by requiring them to submit to regular and periodic elections helps to solve the problem of succession in leadership and thus contributes to the continuation of democracy. Moreover, where the electoral process is competitive and forces candidates or parties to expose their records and future intentions to popular scrutiny, elections serve as forums for the discussion of public issues and facilitate the expression of public opinion. Elections thus provide political education for citizens and ensure the responsiveness of democratic governments to the will of the people. They also serve to legitimize the acts of those who wield power, a function that is performed to some extent even by elections that are noncompetitive. Elections also reinforce the stability and legitimacy of the political community. Like national holidays commemorating common experiences, elections link citizens to each other and thereby confirm the viability of the polity. As a result, elections help to facilitate social and political integration. Finally, elections serve a self-actualizing purpose by confirming the worth and dignity of individual citizens as human beings. Whatever other needs voters may have, participation in an election serves to reinforce their self-esteem and self- respect. Voting gives people an opportunity to have their say and, through expressing partisanship, to satisfy their need to feel a sense of belonging. Even nonvoting satisfies the need of some people to express their alienation from the political community. For precisely these reasons, the long battle for the right to vote and the demand for equality in electoral participation can be viewed as the manifestation of a profound human craving for personal fulfillment. ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 19 Act No. 936, Bill No. 1800 repealed Title 18 of the Virgin Islands Code, Entitled “Elections”, To Enact a New Title 18 of Such Code for the Other Purposes. Proposed by Senators at Large Earle B. Ottley, John L. Maduro, Randall N. James and Patrick N. Williams, Senators for the District of St. Thomas Percival H. Reese and David Puritz. Which was adopted February 6, 1963 and approved February 20, 1963. The first Members of the Board of Elections were Earl B. Ottley, Former Governor Charles W. Turnbull and Ms. Henrita Todman. Ms. Henrita Todman was a clerk for the Municipal Council, Police Court and the Legislature, after serving as an excellent educator for years. Many persons in leadership positions within the government knew of her exemplary performance. On July 12, 1944, Henrita Todman began a career with the judicial branch where she served as a clerk in the Police Court under the Honorable Cyril Michael, Alphonso A. Christian and other distinguished jurists. On April 13, 1963, when the Office of Supervisor of Elections was established, Henrita Todman was considered the ideal candidate for this post given her past exceptional service to the Government of the Virgin Islands. She was a progressive administrator and a supporter of voting machines in the territory. She has served diligently and efficiently as the Supervisor of Elections for her 31 years. Elections Conducted : 31 Primary, 31 General, 7 Run Off, 6 Special, 5 Constitutional Conventions and 2 Initiatives. The Primary election was changed from Tuesday’s to Saturday due to tropical storm Bertha in 1994, which caused the postponement of the elections. Vision - To regain and increase public confidence in the election system by assuring all of our Elections are Fair, Accessible, Secure and Transparent. Mission - To conduct reliable elections and accurately maintain voter registration records for Virgin Islands citizens. Uphold the laws, policies and court decisions of federal and local jurisdictions. ELECTIONS TIMELINE VIRGIN of the ISLANDS – T h e n t o N o w 1960s MILESTONE EVENT April 13 1963 FIRST SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS APPOINTED – MS HENRITA TODMAN 1964-65 The first Constitutional Convention was held. Thirty- three elected and appointed delegates adopted another Revised Organic Act, which included a provision for an elective Governor and Lt. Governor for a four-year term, - congressional representation, the presidential vote, abolition of the Presidential veto of ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 20 local laws and other expansions of local authority. It also issued a Resolution on Status. 1967 BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM ELECTED BY THE LEGISLATURE 1968 Congress provided the following: Passage of the Elective Governor’s Act Abolition of the presidential veto of local laws. Override of the governor’s veto by a two-thirds majority of the Legislature. The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment 1968 The Independent Citizens Movement (or Independent Citizens’ Movement) is a political party in the U.S. Virgin Islands that was founded by Virdin C. Brown and Steve O’Reilly in 1968. 1970s MILESTONE EVENTS 1970 BOARD STIPEND INCREASE FROM $20.00 TO $40.00 October 1, 1971 COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION MUST MAKE AVAILABLE FACILITIES DURING OR AFTER SCHOOL HOURS FOR THE BOARD TO ELECTIONS TO CONDUCT VOTER REGISTRATION 1971-72 Delegates to the 2 nd Constitutional Convention were elected probably in 1971, and a referendum on the document drafted was held on 11/11/1972. 1972 Congress authorized the election of a non-voting Delegate to Congress. Ron De Lugo was elected as the 1 st Delegate to Congress. November 1974 Cyril King won the election to become the second elected governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 1976 PRIMARY ELECTION CONDUCTED ON A SATURDAY IN SEPTEMBER 1976 Congress passed Public Law 94-584 authorizing a locally drafted constitution, subject to congressional approval. 1977-78 Delegates were elected to the 3rd Constitutional Convention. November 7, 1978 Melvin Evans was elected delegate to the United States House of Representatives from U.S. Virgin Islands as a Republican. He defeated Democrat Janet Watlington, an aide to outgoing delegate Ron de Lugo, with 10,458 votes, or 52% of the vote. ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 21 November 7, 1978 Governor Luis and Lt. Governor Millin were elected to a full four-year term on November 7, 1978.[8] Luis defeated the Democratic ticket of Ron de Lugo, the-then Delegate of the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. House of Representatives, and De Lugo’s running mate, Senator Eric E. Dawson, in a tough election campaign.[1][4] 1979 A vote on the 3 rd Constitutional Convention was held in March, 1979. 1980s MILESTONE EVENTS 1980 Act No. 4462 of the Legislature created the first Status Commission. 1980-81 Delegates were elected to the 4th Constitutional Convention, (probably in 1980.) A vote on the 4th Constitutional Convention was held in November, 1981. 1982 The Legislature passed Act No. 4747 which provided a referendum to decide whether the V.I. should address Status before drafting another Constitution. 1984 The Select. Committee on Status and Federal Relations was created by the Fifteenth Legislature 1986 BOARD CONSISTED TO TEN (10) MEMBERS – NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION NO MORE THAN FIVE MEMBERS OF THE SAME POLITICAL PARTY 1987 BOARD STIPEND DURING AN ELECTION CHAIRMAN $65 July 15, 1988 BOARD STIPEND WAS INCREASED FROM $40.00 TO $50.00 1988 The Legislature passed Act No. 5332 which created the 2nd Status Commission. 1988 RESIDENCE DEFINED MAINTAIN LEGAL RESIDENCE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND ELECTION DISTRICT FOR 30 DAYS. THEN CHANGED TO 90 DAYS 1990s MILESTONE EVENTS 1993 A status vote was held on October 11, 1993, on the following three broad categories: A) COMPLETE INTEGRATION WITH THE UNITED STATES B) CONTINUED OR ENHANCED TERRITORIAL STATUS C) REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES SOVEREIGNTY There was a referendum on legalizing casino gambling in the 1990’s. 1994 RUN OFF ELECTION BETWEEN DEREK HODGE/ALFRED HEATH & ROY L. SCHNIEDER/ KENNETH E. MAPP November 1994 Victor O. Frazer (born May 24, 1943) is a Saint Thomian lawyer and was elected as the 3rd elected Delegate from the United States Virgin ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 22 Islands to the United States House of Representatives. He was born in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. April 3, 1995 SUPERVISOR JOHN ABRAMSON, JR BEGAN HIS TERM 1996 RUN OFF ELECTION BETWEEN DONNA CHRISTENSEN & VICTOR FRAZER 1998 PRIMARY ELECTION SUBSTITUTED SATURDAY FOR TUESDAY IN SEPTEMBER July 30, 1998 ELECTION OFFICIALS/ POLLWORKERS REPORTING TIME ONE HOUR 3O MINUTES BEFORE THE HOUR OF OPENING POLLS 2000s MILESTONE EVENTS May 7, 2003 ANY POLITICAL PARTY OR BODY, ONE OF WHOSE CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION FOR A TERRITORIAL OFFICE AT THE LAST PRECEDING GENERAL ELECTION POLLED NOT LESS THAN FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VALID BALLOTS CAST IN THE TERRITORY SHALL BE RECOGNIZED. GRANDFATHERED 2006 RUN OFF ELECTION BETWEEN JOHN P. DEJONGH/GREGORY FRANCIS & KENNETH E. MAPP/ ALMANDO “ROCKY” LIBURD 2010s MILESTONE EVENTS 2010 STX District Chairman Adelbert “Bert” Bryan - championed the change for the Voting Machines to have an auditable paper trail January 1, 2010 CHANGE FROM THE JUDGE TO THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS DETERMINING THE VALIDITY OF ANY BALLOTS January 1, 2010 WRONGFUL REGISTRATION OR ATTEMPT TO REGISTER BY PERSON CAN BE FINED $1,000.00 January 1, 2010 ANY EMPLOYER WHO REFUSES TO ALLOW AN EMPLOYEE TIME OFF TO VOTE CAN BE FIND UP TO $5,000.00 July 12, 2011 THE RIGHT TO VOTE IS AUTOMATICALLY RESTORED TO EVERY PERSON CONVICTED OF A FELONY UPN COMPLETION OF ALL THE CONDITIONS OF THE PERSON’S SENTENCE. December 28, 2011 THE BOARD HAVE THE DISCRETION TO RETAIN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL COUNSEL OR RETAIN AN INDEPENDENT COUNSEL December 28, 2011 APPEALS TO THE COURTS CHANGED FROM DISTRICT TO SUPERIOR COURT ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 23 2012 CHANGE PRIMARY FROM FIRST SATURDAY OF AUGUST FOR SECOND SATURDAY OF SEPTEMBER May 31, 2012 CASTING OF LOTS SUBSTITUTED FIRST MONDAY IN JULY TO SECOND MONDAY IN AUGUST September 7, 2012 CONSENT DECREE – ENFORCE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT August 13, 2013 SUPERVISOR CAROLINE F. FAWKES BEGAN HER TERM August 13, 2014 EARLY VOTING LAW CREATED 2014 FIRST USE OF THE DS200 TABULATING MACHINE AND THE AUTOMARK 2014 RUN OFF ELECTION BETWEEN KENNETH E. MAPP/OSBERT POTTER & DONNA CHRISTENSEN/BASIL OTTLEY October 14, 2014 INVESTIGATION OF THE BOARD REGARDING POLLING PLACES AMERICAN WITH DISABILITY ACT ENFORCEMENT November 2, 2015 DEPUTY SUPERVISOR KEVERMAY DOUGLAS HIRED IN THE ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN DISTRICT April 8, 2016 INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SIGNATURES NECESSARY FOR THE NOMINATION PAPERS FROM 50 TO 100 April 8, 2016 RELATING TO THE FORM OF BALLOT AND VOTING PARTY SYMBOL ON ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM April 22, 2016 ELECTIONEERING MOVED TO 200 FEET FROM THE PROPERTY LINE May 9, 2016 UNLAWFUL FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO VOTE OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY July 31, 2017 VIC 18 CHANGED TO CREATE A SINGLE BOARD OF ELECTIONS THAT GOVERNS BOTH DISTRICTS December 25, 2017 REPEAL RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS TO BAR CANCELLATION 2018 RUN OFF ELECTION BETWEEN KENNETH E. MAPP/ OSBERT POTTER & ALBERT BRYAN, JR./TREZENGA ROACH FORMER GOVERNOR KENNETH E. MAPP WAS IN THREE (3) RUN OFF ELECTIONS ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 24 2018 FIRST USE OF EXPRESS VOTE MACHINES REPLACEMENT FOR AUTOMARK Nov 2018 BOARD MEMBERS STAGGERED TERMS NO MORE THAN FOUR MEMBERS FROM ONE POLITICAL PARTY VACANCY ON THE BOARD – MUST BE SAME POLITICAL PARTY WITH HIGHEST VOTES 2020s MILESTONE EVENTS 2020 Board of Elections Chairwoman Barbara Jackson McIntosh - championed the change to VIC 18 - the Supervisor of Elections manages the Elections November A nonbinding referendum was on whether to adopt and/ or adapt the Revised Organic Act as the constitution of the USVIS. March 22, 2021 DEPUTY SUPERVISOR TERRELL ALEXANDRE HIRED IN THE ST. CROIX DISTRICT August 2022 NEXT GEN EPOLLBOOKS IMPLEMENTED CHANGE FROM POLLING PLACES CENTERS IMPLEMENTED EXPRESS POLL October 2022 ANY VOTER CAN REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT WITHOUT A REASON OCTOBER 31, 2022 COMPENSATION OF ELECTIONS ELECTION OFFICIALS AND CLERKS INCREASED November 2022 RELATING TO REGISTRATION – ACTIVE AND INACTIVE VOTERS vote we did ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 25 The proudest now is but my peer, The highest not more high; To-day, of all the weary year, A king of men am I. To-day alike are great and small, The nameless and the known My palace is the people’s hall, The ballot-box my throne! Who serves to-day upon the list Beside the served shall stand; Alike the brown and wrinkled fist, The gloved and dainty hand! The rich is level with the poor, The weak is strong to-day; And sleekest broadcloth counts no more Than homespun frock of gray. To-day let pomp and vain pretence My stubborn right abide; I set a plain man’s common sense Against the pedant’s pride. To-day shall simple manhood try The strength of gold and land The wide world has not wealth to buy The power in my right hand! While there’s a grief to seek redress, Or balance to adjust, Where weighs our living manhood less Than Mammon’s vilest dust, -- While there’s a right to need my vote A wrong to sweep away, Up! clouted knee and ragged coat! A man’s a man to-day! by John Greenleaf Whittier The Poor Voter on Election Day ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 26 Shikima Jones-Sprauve Vice Chairwoman Alecia Wells - CERA Chairwoman The it Raymond Williams CERA Lisa Harris Moorhead CERA Lilliana Belardo de O’Neal -CERA Epiphane Joseph Ly A ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 27 vote is precious. It is almost sacred. is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy Rep. John Lewis Kareem Francis Florine Audain Hassell Michael Joseph dia Hendricks - CERA Secretary Angeli Leerdam Harriet Mercer Arturo Watlington, Jr. CERA Atanya Springette ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 28 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 2022 General Election (2023-2026) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Raymond J. Williams Atanya Springette Shikima Jones-Sprauve Kareem T. Francis Harriet A. Mercer Florine Audain Hassell 2020 General Election (2021-2024) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Lisa Harris-Moorhead Lydia A. Hendricks Alecia M. Wells Lilliana Belardo De O’Neal Arturo Watlington, Jr. Glenn Webster D* Angeli Leerdam Epiphane “Joe” Joseph Michael Joseph 2018 General Election (2019-2022) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Raymond J. Williams Atanya Springette Shikima Jones Barbara Jackson-McIntosh Harriet A. Mercer Frederick R. Espinosa Max Schanfarber 2016 General Election (2017-2020) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Lilliana Belardo De O’Neal Maurice A. Donovan Jr. Alecia M. Wells Lisa Harris-Moorhead Arturo Watlington, Jr. Glenn Webster Lydia A. Hendricks Epiphane Joseph Diane Magras 2014 General Election (2015-2018) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Adelbert M. Bryan Carla J. Joseph Ivy K. Moses Rupert W. Ross Jr. Maurice A. Donovan Jr. Barbara Jackson-McIntosh 2012 General Election (2013-2016) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Lisa Harris-Moorhead Arturo Watlington Jr. Alecia M. Wells Roland L. Moolenaar Lydia Hendricks Lilliana Belardo De O’Neal Lawrence Larry Boschulte Glenn Webster ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 29 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 2010 General Election (2011-2014) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Adelbert M. Bryan Wilma Marsh Monsanto Harry A. Daniel Raymond J. Williams Claudette Georges Rupert W. Ross Jr. 2008 General Election (2009-2012) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Dodson K. James Lawrence Larry Boschulte Alecia M. Wells Carmen M. Golden Lorna A.C. Thomas Ana L. “Anita” Davila Colette White-Amaro Lisa Harris-Moorhead 2006 General Election (2007-2010) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Rupert W. Ross Arturo Watlington, Jr. Leona Smith Raymond J. Williams Claudette A. Georges Jacqueline Heyliger 2004 General Election (2005-2008) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Dodson K. James Lawrence Larry Boschulte Alecia M. Wells Ana L. “Anita” Davila Lorna A.C. Thomas Humberto O’Neal Colette White-Amaro Carmen Golden 2002 General Election (2003-2006) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Rupert W. Ross Jr. Arturo Watlington Jr. Donna F. Roberts Evelyn Messer James George Blackhall Raymond J. Williams Hamad I. Sirri 2000 General Election (2001-2004) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Carmen M. Golden Kevin A. Rodriguez Alecia M. Wells Ana Anita L. Davila Lawrence Larry Boschulte Arthur A. Joseph Phyllis Massac Rueben Fenton ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 30 1998 General Election (1999-2002) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Evelyn M. James Clement “Cain” Magras Alecia M. Wells Malcolm K. Plaskett Gaylord A. Sprauve Dodson M. James 1996 General Election (1997-2000) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Carmen M. Golden Christoph K. Massac, Jr. Aubrey E. Bridgewater Jr. Raymond “Usie” Richards Rita A. Brady Ana “Anita” Davila Roy Howard Arthur A. Joseph 1994 General Election (1995-1998) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Malcolm K. Plaskett Robert Mathes Donna Roberts Dodson K. James Lorraine Baa Adele D. Allen 1992 General Election (1993-1996) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Raymond “Usie” Richards Denise R. Reovan, Esq. Donna Roberts Carmen M. Golden Keith E. Richards Ana L. “Anita” Davila Christoph Keith Massac Donald E. Ross 1990 General Election (1991-1994) St. Croix St. Thomas St. John Alicia Torres-James Gerald E. Hodge Donna Roberts Eulalie C. Rivera Elise Vialet Julien Harley Chesley Roebuck Casilda Quetel Roberts All other Board Members who were appointed by the Governor or Legislature prior to elections. Shrouptronic Election Voting Machine Programmers - Team Patrick Phillips, Lead Voting Technician • Trevor James, Gregory Christian, Felicia Neale, Ulric Lewis, David Roberts & Gabriel Nathaniel ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 31 First use of the DS 200 Tabulator & Auto Mark – ADA Complaint - 2014 Instituted Early Voting in 2014 Established the Senior Election Assistant Position Instituted Voting Centers in 2022 Instituted interconnected Epollbooks – Real Time Reporting Legislature codified the expansion of the Duties of the Supervisor Change the Board of Elections to the Election System of the Virgin Islands and Improved the Wage Scale Hire local programmers for electronic voting machines. Codified the Cancellation of Voters Instituted Electronic Voter Registration Database Completed the RFP for the purchase of the DS200/Automarks Instituted Retreats for the Board Members Serve at the Courts before her appointment to Elections First Supervisor of Elections – 31 Years Established the three territorial election offices Codified the Deputy Supervisor Positions In 1970, conducted the first election in the history of the Virgin Islands Worked with Senators to create election laws Ms. Caroline F. Fawkes, CERA (August 13, 2013 – Present) Mr. John Abramson, Jr., CERA (April 3, 1995 – May 31, 2013) Ms. Henrita Todman (April 13, 1963 – December 19, 1994) Supervisors of Elections ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 32 Deputy Supervisors and Elections Assistants -Staff St. Thomas • St. John Staff St. Croix Staff STX Deputy Mr. Terrell Alexandre Milagritos Venzen Senior Election Assistant Sheri Richardson Election Assistant Stephanie Joseph Election Assistant Melba Smith Election Assistant Richard Muhammad Board Administrative Assistant Mari Felix Election Assistant Blanca Maldonado Election Assistant Tricia Johnson Administrative Assistant Ulette Todman Hodge Senior Election Assistant STT-STJ Deputy Ms. Kevermay Douglas, CERA ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 33 Former Employees St. Croix Genevieve Whitaker – Deputy Supervisor James A. Weber, III – Deputy Supervisor Corine Halyard Plaskett, CERA -Deputy Supervisor Lula Mae Parris – Deputy Supervisor Lauritz Gibbs – Deputy Supervisor Elizabeth Lynch – Longest Serving -30 years Delores Rivera Lang Josephine Harvey Felia Rampersad Juanita Hendricks Beverly Crawford Rita Phillip Jackson Millie Calderon Armstrong Juanita Hendricks St. Thomas Nefrediezha Barbel – Deputy Supervisor Mabel Maduro – Deputy Supervisor Sharon Benjamin Board Administrative Assistant /Acting Deputy Supervisor Rosemary Berry – Administrative Assistant Angel Bolques, Jr. – Board Administrative Assistant Judah Diamondback – Administrative Assistant Elaine Sprauve St. John Natalie Thomas - Deputy Supervisor Icilma Sprauve ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 34 Election Officials Pollworkers Gwenavire Hyndman Desiree Richardson Patricia Frorup St. John – Began as a Clerk and progressed to the position as Judge. Served for over 30 years St. Croix - Began as an Election clerk at the young age of 19 year and progressed to position as Judge. Served for over 50 years St. Thomas - Began as Election Epollbook Clerk at the young age of 18 years and progressed to the position as Facilitator. Also, she serves as an Elections Office Assistant. Presently, still serving, over 40 years HONOREES HONOREES ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 35 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 36 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 37 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 38 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 39 STX - Sunny Isle Annex STT Crystal Gade Storage St. John Cruz Bay St. John Battery ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 40 St. John / The Market Place Main Sunny Isle Shopping Center/Old Movie Theatre – St. Croix Elections Office St. Thomas Elections Office, Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 41 St. Croix Other Office Locations 1975-1985 West Office in Lagoon Complex East Office La Grande Princesse 1985 East - Hamilton House. 1990 Estate La Reine Shopping Center (Combined) 1997 Sunny Isles Annex St. John – Located where the Frank Powell Sr. Park Bandstand presently ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 42 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 43 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 44 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 45 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 46 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 47 Positive Is How I Live Elmo D – The Man For We Yes We Can Dowe Now! Serious Minds for Serious Times Change We Can Believe In Keep Your Future Bright, Vote Celestino A. White Let’s Make It Happen Man For All People Vote George, It Is A Goodwin Your Voice of Reason Progress Forward Change Course Now Got the Job Done, Vote Watlington Keep Them in Line Push #9 Communication is Key Focus Forward A Man for All People, Touching Lives Don’t Guess, Vote Bolques Vote Donald Ducks Cole – Who Ducks No Issues Still The Voice We Need, The Change We Deserve Man of Action Ready For Forward Movement New Generation Leadership Keep Your Eyes on the Prize Don’t Blink A Strong Voice for Challenging Times Don’t Blame Me, We Didn’t Vote for Farrelly If Anyone Can, Canton Can Prepared to Serve Your Voice, Your Advocate For People, Not Politics St. Croix All De Time My People, My Island, My Concern There Is No Hope, Without Hope Time to Build Leadership for the 21st Century Together We Will Rise All Is Well, With Wells A Better Choice It’s Cruzial Proven Results Spring Forward With Springer We Will Not Let You Down Leadership With Conscious Young People Matter If Not Now, When You Can Bank On Me Let Your Conscious Be Your Guide The Bull From Annally Sensible Balanced Leadership Forget the Rest and Vote for the Best ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 48 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 49 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 50 ELECTIONS SYSTEM of the Virgin Islands Est. 1963 N I I G S R L I A V N D D E S M V R O O T F E N R I 51