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

Candidates And Polling Agents Invited To Information Session

Wednesday, 29 March 2023 - 2:53pm

The Office of the Supervisor of Elections invites chairmen of political parties, independent and party candidates, as well as prospective polling and counting agents to an information session to be held on Wednesday April 5 at 5:00 p.m. at the Maria's by the Sea Conference Room.

2023 Revised Voters List Published

Tuesday, 28 March 2023 - 2:28pm

The public is advised that the Revised Voters’ List for 2023 has been published.

Supervisor of Elections Ms. Scherrie Griffin said in accordance with Section 23 (1) of the Elections Act, 1994 and Amendments, the list shall be available to view during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Advance Poll Voters In Anegada Asked To Submit Interest

Saturday, 25 March 2023 - 1:59pm

Anegada residents who are eligible to vote on Advance Polling Day, including all elderly persons, are asked to contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections beginning on Monday, March 27 stating your intent to do so.

Candidates And Party Chairpersons Must Collect Document

Thursday, 23 March 2023 - 11:34am

All Prospective Independent Candidates and Party Chairpersons are advised to visit the Office of the Supervisor of Elections immediately to collect a document for their attention and action.

PURPORTING TO BE OFFICIAL CANDIDATES DISCOURAGED

Wednesday, 22 March 2023 - 5:02pm

Persons who do not intend to contest the 2023 General Elections as official candidates are strongly discouraged from creating imagery and other messaging suggesting otherwise, as this may negatively affect the electoral process by creating confusion among voters.

Advance Polling Day Is April 20

Tuesday, 21 March 2023 - 8:48am

Advance polling day will take place on Thursday, April 20 allowing early voting for certain category of persons. 

District 7 Polling Station Is Now Church Of God Of Prophecy

Monday, 20 March 2023 - 8:57pm

The public is notified

Voters Who Are Unable To Submit Claim Can Still Vote

Saturday, 18 March 2023 - 7:03pm

The public is advised that voters who are unable to submit a claim (Form No.3) during the four-day period of inspection will still be able to vote. 

Pages