The Virgin Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. They became the possession of Great Britian in 1666 when the English Planters took control from the Dutch settlers and have been a British colony since 1672. The Virgin Islands became a Territory on July 1, 1956 and is currently a British Overseas Territory which falls under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom (UK).

The Constitution of the Virgin Islands provides for a Cabinet comprising the Premier, four (4) Ministers and an Attorney General (ex-officio member). The Premier is the head of government.

Elections are governed by two authorities; the Elections Act and Amendments and the Virgin Islands Constitution Order. The Elections Act was introduced in 1994 with amendments in 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2011. The Virgin Islands Constitution was introduced in 1976 with amendments in 1979, 1982, 1991, 1994, 2000 and 2007. Prior to 1976 the Constitution Order was referred to as The Virgin Islands (Emergency Powers) Order 1967.

In the Virgin Islands, a House of Assembly is elected territory wide. The executive consists of Her Majesty and a House of Assembly. Authority of the Virgin Islands shall be vested in Her Majesty. The House of Assembly (formerly called the Legislative Council prior to 2007) consists of fifteen (15) members; thirteen (13) elected representatives for a four year term, nine (9) of whom are electoral district representatives and four (4) as territorial-at-large representatives, the Attorney General (non-voting, ex officio member ) and one elected speaker. The Speaker presides over the sittings of the House. A recommended member of the Opposition, chosen by members of the opposition, is appointed by the Governor to serve as Leader of the Opposition.

General Elections are constitutionally due every four (4) years. Candidates are nominated on Nomination Day with Advance Poll and Poll Day shortly thereafter. Candidates contesting the elections do so as members of a party or as independent. If at any time within the four year term an elected representative relinquishes office or dies, a By-Election will be held to fill the vacancy and replace the member in the House of Assembly. The need for an election sooner than four years can result if the ruling party requests, or if the ruling party or coalition seems to have lost its ability to control the Government.

Persons are eligible to become registered voters at age eighteen (18) on the submission and approval of an application. Only persons who are belongers of the Virgin Islands can be approved as registered voters. A registered voter can vote for up to five (5) candidates on Advance Polling Day and Polling Day (one (1) vote in the local electoral district and four (4)votes in the territorial-at-large district). In a local electoral district, only voters registered in that district and at a particular polling station can vote there.

 

National Democratic Party

Virgin Islands Party

Progressive Virgin Islands Movement

Progressive United

A handbook providing laws and guidelines for persons that has an interest to be a candidate in the General Elections of the British Virgin Islands. Click here to download.


*This map shows an approximation of the district boundaries.

Election News

41 PERSONS MUST CONTACT OFFICE OF SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Saturday, 11 March 2023 - 1:46pm

​The following persons are being asked to make contact with the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.

Advanced Polling Stations Based on Number of Eligible Voters

Friday, 10 March 2023 - 7:47pm

The public is advised that the number of eligible persons qualified to vote on Advance Polling Day for the 2023 General Elections does not warrant individual Advance Polling Stations on Jost Van Dyke and Anegada at this time, as was the case for the past two General Elections.

Previously Issued Voter Registration Cards Are Valid

Friday, 10 March 2023 - 11:52am

The public is advised that previously issued Voter Registration Cards can be used on Election Day in addition to other valid Government issued Identification.

2023 Polling Locations Approved

Thursday, 9 March 2023 - 1:53pm

Polling stations for the 2023 General Election are now approved by His Excellency the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG.

Letters Issued By Civil Registry For Voter Registration

Thursday, 2 March 2023 - 5:27pm

The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is informing individuals seeking to register to vote, and whose Virgin Islands passports are expired, that they can request a temporary letter from the Civil Registry and Passport office as proof of belongership.

Information Session To Be Held For Prospective Candidates

Monday, 27 February 2023 - 5:27pm

The Office of the Supervisor of Elections will be facilitating an information session for prospective candidates in the upcoming General Elections ahead of the dissolution of the House of Assembly.

Elections Management System Gets An Upgrade

Thursday, 26 January 2023 - 9:47am

Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen Dabreo-Lettsome; Supervisor of Elections, Ms. Scherrie Griffin and Deputy Secretary, Ms. Aisha Hill met with Ms. Lisa Turnell, Lead Account Manager from the Elections Systems & Software (ESS). 

Duplicate Names of Voters Posted for Public Review

Tuesday, 15 November 2022 - 5:41pm

The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is urging the public to review a list of registered voters found to be duplicated entries in the current elections system.

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