EARLY VOTING OPENS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AS 1,145 VOTERS CAST BALLOTS ON FIRST DAY

St. Croix leads opening-day turnout as residents begin choosing the territory’s next political leaders; election officials encourage voters to make their voices heard.

By News Staff

Freedom City Times

Oct., 18, 2026

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Early voting for the 2026 general election is underway across the U.S. Virgin Islands, giving residents an opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.

A total of 1,145 voters cast ballots on the first day of early voting on Friday, October 16, according to reported figures from the Elections System of the Virgin Islands. St. Croix recorded 618 voters, followed by St. Thomas with 519 and St. John with eight.

The opening-day figures offer an early look at voter participation as candidates compete for public office and residents prepare to make decisions that will help shape the territory’s political future.

Supervisor of Elections Caroline F. Fawkes welcomed the initial turnout and encouraged eligible voters to participate in the democratic process.

VOTING SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS

-----------------+++

Early voting on St. Croix and St. Thomas runs from Friday, October 16, through Saturday, October 31. Voting hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, including weekends.

On St. Croix, voters can cast their ballots at the Elections System office at Sunny Isles Shopping Center, Unit 26.

On St. Thomas, early voting is being conducted at the Elections System office in Lockhart Gardens, upstairs from Banco Popular.

St. John’s early-voting period is scheduled for Friday, October 23, through Saturday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voting will take place at the Elections System office at The Marketplace, Suite II.

Voters in the St. Thomas–St. John District may also vote at either Elections System office within the district, according to election information.

AN IMPORTANT ELECTION FOR THE TERRITORY

------------------

The November 3 general election comes as the Virgin Islands faces important questions involving public safety, the economy, healthcare, education, infrastructure, government accountability and opportunities for young people.

For residents, voting provides an opportunity to evaluate candidates’ records, examine their proposals and decide who they believe can best represent their communities.

In Frederiksted and across St. Croix, voters will have an opportunity to consider how candidates plan to address local concerns, including crime, road conditions, economic development and the future of small businesses.

Early voting can also help residents who may have work, family obligations or other commitments on Election Day avoid waiting until the final day to participate.

VOTERS URGED TO PLAN AHEAD

----------------

Election officials are encouraging residents to review the candidates and sample ballots before heading to the polls. Sample ballots and additional election information are available through the Elections System of the Virgin Islands at vivote.gov.

Residents who have questions about early voting may contact the St. Croix Elections Office at 340-773-1021 or the St. Thomas Elections Office at 340-774-3107.

The Elections System has also reminded voters that Tuesday, October 20, is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot that must be mailed off-island. Voters who need an absentee ballot should contact election officials promptly to confirm the applicable requirements and deadlines.