USVI PREPARES FOR NOVEMBER 3 GENERAL ELECTION; FIVE GUBERNATORIAL TICKETS COMPETE FOR TERRITORIAL LEADERSHIP

Early voting draws nearly 10,000 voters; St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John prepare for Election Day as residents face important decisions about the territory's future.

Oct.31,2026

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Voters throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands are preparing to head to the polls Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for a closely watched general election that will determine the territory's next governor and lieutenant governor, members of the 36th Legislature, and other public officials.

This year's election carries particular significance because Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is term-limited and cannot seek another consecutive term.

Consequently, the territory will have a new governor and lieutenant governor, bringing the Bryan-Roach administration's tenure to a close and opening a new chapter in the territory's political leadership.

Five gubernatorial tickets, including one Democratic ticket and four independent tickets, are competing for the opportunity to lead the U.S. Virgin Islands for the next four years.

Beyond the gubernatorial contest, voters will decide who represents them in the Legislature, who serves as the territory's Delegate to Congress, and who occupies other important elected positions.

With major concerns surrounding electricity reliability, healthcare, public safety, education, infrastructure, government finances and the cost of living, the election comes at a time when many residents are looking for answers and stronger leadership.

EARLY VOTING ATTRACTS 9,772 VOTERS

Thousands of Virgin Islands residents have already exercised their right to vote ahead of Election Day.

According to the Elections System of the Virgin Islands, 9,772 voters had participated in early voting as of Thursday, October 29.

St. Croix recorded 5,053 early voters, followed by St. Thomas with 4,426 and St. John with 293.

The breakdown reflects substantial participation across the territory, with St. Croix accounting for the largest share of early ballots cast.

Early voting began October 16 on St. Croix and St. Thomas, while St. John began its early-voting period October 23.

The early-voting locations were the Elections System office at Sunny Isle Shopping Center, Unit 26, on St. Croix; the Elections System office at Lockhart Gardens, above Banco Popular, on St. Thomas; and the Elections System office at The Market Place, Suite II, on St. John.

Voting hours were 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on St. Croix and St. Thomas and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on St. John.

Early voting officially concludes Saturday, October 31, giving eligible residents their final opportunity to cast ballots before the November 3 general election.

The 9,772 figure is the reported total as of October 29 and does not represent the final early-voting count. Additional ballots were expected to be cast during the remaining days.

FIVE TICKETS COMPETE FOR GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

One of the most closely watched contests is the gubernatorial race, with five tickets appearing on the official 2026 general-election sample ballot.

The candidates are:

Stacey E. Plaskett and Milton E. Potter — Democratic Party.

Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg and Positive Nelson — Independent.

Warren Mosler and Colin Robertson — Independent.

Oakland Benta and Merwin Potter — Independent.

Gustav James and Randolph Bennett — Independent.

The contest represents an important political transition for the territory. With no incumbent governor eligible to seek another consecutive term, each ticket is campaigning for the opportunity to establish a new administration and set priorities for the next four years.

The next administration will face significant responsibilities, including addressing the ongoing challenges at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, improving healthcare services, strengthening public safety, addressing government finances, improving schools and advancing infrastructure projects.

For residents, the decision will extend beyond political party affiliation. Voters will be choosing the individuals they believe can deliver effective government, improve public services and respond to the territory's longstanding challenges.

DELEGATE TO CONGRESS RACE

Virgin Islands voters will also choose their representative to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The two candidates appearing on the official ballot are Janelle K. Sarauw, representing the Democratic Party, and Shelley A. H. Moorhead, an Independent candidate.

Although the Virgin Islands' delegate does not have a final vote on the House floor, the position carries an important responsibility in representing the territory's interests in Washington, D.C.

The delegate works on federal legislation, funding, federal programs and issues affecting the relationship between the territory and the federal government.

TERRITORY-WIDE SENATE-AT-LARGE CONTEST

Another important contest is the Senate at-large seat in the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.

The candidates are Angel Bolques Jr., representing the Democratic Party, and Hadiya Sewer, an Independent candidate.

The at-large senator represents the territory as a whole rather than only one legislative district.

ST. CROIX: 24 CANDIDATES COMPETE FOR LEGISLATIVE SEATS

The St. Croix District has a competitive legislative contest, with 24 candidates listed on the official general-election sample ballot.

The candidates are:

Nemmy Williams-Jackson, Clifford A. Joseph, Bianca Francis, Elizabeth Hansen-Watley, Tyler Courtland Fay, Luz "Lucy" Browne, Jose "Besse" Gonzalez, Troy C. Williams Sr., Kenneth "Kenny" Gittens, Julian S. Veira, Mutasem "Moe" Mustafa, Kurt Vialet, Nellie Rivera O'Reilly, Samuel Carrion, Alvin Milligan, Troy D. Mason, Diane Prosper, Raymond T. James, Norman Bapo JnBaptiste, Hubert L. Frederick, Gage Edmunds, Lisa J. Charles, Franklin D. Johnson and Jay Watson.

Voters in St. Croix will be permitted to select no more than seven candidates for the Legislature on their district ballot.

The crowded field includes Democratic, Independent and Republican candidates, reflecting a range of political affiliations and backgrounds.

The outcome will help determine who represents St. Croix's communities and addresses the district's priorities in the Legislature.

ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN: COMPETITIVE LEGISLATIVE CONTEST

The St. Thomas/St. John District also has a substantial field of candidates seeking legislative seats.

The 20 candidates appearing on the official sample ballot are:

Gregory P. Smith, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Dr. Krishna Kilaru, Eric Tillett, Avery L. Lewis, Vernon Araujo, Joel S. Browne Connors, Ray "PuPa" Fonseca, Sennai Habtes, Rudel A. Hodge Jr., Imani Daniel, Shenelle Fina Francis, Alma Francis Heyliger, Derrick A. Callwood, Paula A. Duke, Eugene D. Farrell, Carla Joseph, Collister M. Fahie, David Sierra and Marvin A. Blyden.

Voters in this district may select no more than seven candidates for the Legislature.

The district's representation includes both St. Thomas and St. John, making the election important for residents on both islands.

WHERE TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 3

The Elections System of the Virgin Islands has designated voting centers throughout the territory. Polls are scheduled to open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.

One important feature of this election is the use of voting centers instead of traditional neighborhood-based precinct assignments. Registered voters may cast their ballots at any designated voting center within their respective district, regardless of their residential address.

ST. CROIX DISTRICT

Five voting centers will be available:

D.C. Canegata Recreation Center.

St. Dunstan's Episcopal School Auditorium.

St. Croix Educational Complex High School Gymnasium.

St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge.

Claude O. Markoe Elementary School Auditorium.

IMPORTANT LOCATION CHANGE: The Elections System announced a last-minute change involving the St. Croix voting centers. The Central High School Modular Gymnasium will not be used because its air-conditioning system is not functioning. The St. Croix Educational Complex High School Gymnasium is included in the updated list.

Voters should pay close attention to this change to avoid reporting to the wrong facility.

ST. THOMAS DISTRICT

Four voting centers have been designated:

Charlotte Amalie High School (Sprung).

Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Cafeteria.

Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center at the University of the Virgin Islands.

Tutu Park Mall, opposite Carlos Furniture.

ST. JOHN DISTRICT

Two voting centers will serve St. John voters:

Julius E. Sprauve Elementary School.

Guy Benjamin Community Center.

All voting centers are scheduled to operate from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Voters who are already in line when the voting centers close will be permitted to cast their ballots.

WHAT MAKES THIS ELECTION PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT?

The 2026 general election represents more than the selection of individual candidates. It is also an opportunity for voters to determine the political and policy direction of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The incoming administration and Legislature will inherit a number of longstanding challenges.

Electricity reliability remains a major concern, particularly as residents and businesses continue to experience interruptions in power service. WAPA's financial condition, generation capacity and ability to provide dependable electricity will remain important matters for the next government.

Healthcare is another major issue, with residents continuing to seek improvements in hospital services, medical staffing, access to care and the overall quality of healthcare throughout the territory.

Public safety, road conditions, education, employment opportunities, housing and the cost of living are also among the issues affecting families and communities.

The next governor will be expected to work with the Legislature to establish priorities, manage public resources and deliver improvements that residents can see and experience.

For many voters, the election will be an opportunity to evaluate candidates not only on their campaign promises but also on their qualifications, experience, leadership abilities and proposed solutions.

VOTERS ENCOURAGED TO CHECK THEIR INFORMATION

The Elections System encourages voters to review their registration information and sample ballots before Election Day.

Residents who have questions about their eligibility, voting locations or election procedures may contact the Elections System directly.

St. Croix Elections Office: 340-773-1021.

St. Thomas Elections Office: 340-774-3107.

St. John Elections Office: 340-776-6535.

Additional election information, sample ballots and voter lookup services are available at www.vivote.gov.

As the territory approaches November 3, the message to residents is clear: become familiar with the candidates, understand the issues and participate in the democratic process.

The election will determine who assumes responsibility for leading the U.S. Virgin Islands during the next four years. Ultimately, the decision rests with the voters.

Every ballot represents a voice, and every vote will help shape the future of the Virgin Islands.