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Are you in favor of the Legislature enacting legislation to convene a constitutional convention to adapt the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, 68 Stat. 497, or portions of it as the Constitution of the Virgin Islands? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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A referendum on holding a constitutional convention was held in the US Virgin Islands on 3 November 2020 alongside general elections. 72% of voters responding to the referendum question voted in favor and turnout was above the threshold required.
Background[edit]
The islands' first constitutional convention was held from 1964 to 1965 after members were elected in 1964. Although the convention approved a draft constitution in February 1965, it was not adopted by the United States Congress,[1] although some elements became law.[2] A second convention was held in 1971–1972, and although the draft constitution was approved by a majority of voters in a 1972 referendum, VI delegate Ron de Lugo believed the low turnout meant the constitution did not have sufficient mandate from the people and did not take it to Congress.[2]
The third constitution convention was held between 1977 and 1978, but this time voters rejected the draft document in a 1979 referendum. A fourth convention was held in 1980, with the draft again rejected by voters in a 1981 referendum. The fifth convention was held in 2009, but failed to agree on a draft by 2012 and was dissolved.
On 7 May 2020 the Legislature passed law 8308, which proposed a non-binding referendum on electing a constitutional convention. Governor Albert Bryan signed the law the following day. In order for the convention to be called at the Legislature's option, at least 50% of voters participating in the general election had to answer the referendum question, and a majority of those answering it had to vote in favor.
Results[edit]
A total of 18,130 voters participated in the general election, of which 10,115 (56%) answered the referendum question. With a majority of those voting also voting in favor, the proposal was approved.
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 7,275 | 71.92 |
| Against | 2,840 | 28.08 |
| Blank votes | 8,015 | - |
| Total | 18,130 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 53,341 | 33.99 |
| Source: VI Vote, Direct Democracy | ||
Aftermath[edit]
A bill on the calling of the sixth constitutional convention was approved on 29 December 2022, with members of the convention to be elected on 5 November 2024 during election day. The convention is planned to open in January 2025 and prepare a new constitution by 31 October 2025, followed by a referendum on it on 3 November 2026. If approved, the new constitution will enter into force on 31 March 2027.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ House Hearing, 111 Congress U.S. Government Publishing Office
- ^ a b V.I. constitutional conventions: Background St Thomas Source, 19 May 2003
- ^ "Constitutional Convention Glides Under Radar Toward 2024 Election". St. Thomas Source. 13 August 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
