Registered Democratic voters across the Virgin Islands will select the party’s candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, delegate to Congress, the 36th Legislature and other offices when the territory holds its 2026 Primary Election on Saturday, August 1.
Voting centers on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The territory uses voting centers rather than neighborhood-based precincts, allowing eligible voters to cast their ballots at any listed center within their election jurisdiction, regardless of their residential address.
The election is the Democratic Party primary. Voters must be registered and enrolled as Democrats to participate. The Elections System states that no-party-affiliated voters cannot participate in a primary election because primaries are limited to party members. The deadline to register or make party-enrollment changes for the August 1 election was July 2 and has passed.
Where to Vote on Election Day
St. Croix
Voters in the St. Croix District may use any of the following three voting centers:
- D.C. Canegata Recreation Center
- St. Croix Central High School Modular Gymnasium
- Claude O. Markoe Elementary School Cafeteria
St. Thomas
Voters in the St. Thomas-St. John District may vote at the following St. Thomas locations:
- Charlotte Amalie High School — Sprung
- Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Cafeteria
- Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center at the University of the Virgin Islands
St. John
The two St. John voting centers are:
- Julius Sprauve Elementary School
- Guy Benjamin Community Center
Because the Elections System is using voting centers, voters are not restricted to a specific neighborhood precinct. They may cast their ballot at any voting center within their jurisdiction.
Early Voting Ends Wednesday
The final day of early voting is Wednesday, July 29.
Early voting on St. Croix and St. Thomas is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On St. John, voting is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The early-voting locations are:
- St. Croix Elections Office: Sunny Isle Shopping Center, Unit 26
- St. Thomas Elections Office: Lockhart Gardens, above Banco Popular
- St. John Elections Office: The Market Place, Suite II, third floor
Anyone who does not vote early may cast a ballot during the 7 a.m.-to-7 p.m. Election Day period on Saturday.
What Voters Will Decide
The Democratic ballot includes contests for delegate to the House of Representatives, governor and lieutenant governor, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands and the Board of Education.
The St. Thomas-St. John ballot also includes a contest for two seats on the St. Thomas Board of Elections.
Delegate to the House of Representatives
Voters may select no more than one candidate:
- Emmett Hansen
- Delia Smith
- Teri Helenese
- Janelle K. Sarauw
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Voters may select no more than one joint ticket:
- Tregenza A. Roach and Novelle E. Francis Jr.
- Stacey E. Plaskett and Milton E. Potter
- Donna Frett-Gregory and Rodney Moorehead
St. Croix Legislative Candidates
St. Croix voters may select no more than seven candidates for the Legislature:
- Hubert L. Frederick
- Clifford A. Joseph
- Dwight Mike Cartier
- Lynda Nikki Brooks
- Kurt Vialet
- Jose Besse Gonzalez
- Lisa J. Charles
- Nemmy Williams-Jackson
- Omar B. U. Henry
- Kenneth Kenny Gittens
St. Thomas-St. John Legislative Candidates
Voters in the St. Thomas-St. John District may select no more than seven candidates:
- Kashief Hamilton
- Carla J. Joseph
- Marvin A. Blyden
- Larence Lary Boschulte
- Peter Bailey
- Avery L. Lewis
- Shenelle Fina Francis
- Michael A. Smith
- Mayard May Leader
- Joel S Browne Connors
- Ray PuPa Fonseca
- Rudel A. Hodge Jr.
The candidate names and spellings above follow the Elections System’s official district sample ballots.
Board of Education
St. Croix District
Voters may select no more than two candidates:
- Mojania Mo Denis
- Terrence T. Joseph
- Christopher Jacobs Jr.
- Winona A. Hendricks
St. Thomas-St. John District
Voters may select no more than two candidates:
- Arah C. Lockhart
- Michelle M. Cawthron
- D’Vonte J. Xavier
- Judy M. Gomez
St. Thomas Board of Elections
The St. Thomas-St. John sample ballot includes a St. Thomas Board of Elections contest. Voters may select no more than two candidates:
- Kevin A. Rodriguez
- Barbara A. Petersen
- Atanya S. Springette
What to Bring and What Happens at Check-In
Voters should bring identification to present at the voting center.
According to the Elections System, a voter must announce their name and address and provide identification to an election officer. The officer will compare that information with the district register or poll list.
A person who does not have proper identification may complete an affidavit affirming that they are the voter listed in the district register or poll list before being permitted to vote. A voter challenged over identity or residency may also be required to take an oath.
Voters can use the Elections System’s online voter-lookup service before Election Day to confirm their registration information. The lookup requires the voter’s first and last name, year of birth and ZIP code.
What Happens if a Voter's Name is Missing
A person who believes they are properly registered but whose eligibility cannot be immediately determined may request a provisional ballot.
Provisional voters must provide proof of identity and address and complete an affidavit affirming their right to vote. They must also receive written instructions explaining how to determine whether their ballot was counted and, if it was rejected, the reason it was not counted.
A registered voter who moved or changed their name without notifying the Elections System may still vote at the polling location where they appear, provided they present proof of the move.
How to Mark the Ballot
Voters should read the instructions carefully and review both sides of the ballot before submitting it.
To record a vote, the oval next to the selected candidate’s name must be filled in completely. Voters should not make unnecessary marks on the ballot.
A write-in vote requires the voter to write the person’s name on the line provided and completely fill in the corresponding oval. Writing a name without filling in the oval will not complete the write-in vote.
Anyone who makes a mistake or stray mark should ask a poll worker for a replacement ballot rather than attempting to correct the original ballot.
Voters should also follow the maximum number of selections printed for each contest:
- Delegate: select no more than one
- Governor and lieutenant governor: select no more than one ticket
- Legislature: select no more than seven
- Board of Education: select no more than two
- St. Thomas Board of Elections: select no more than two
Absentee Ballot Deadline
The deadline to request an absentee ballot that must be delivered by mail was July 18 and has passed.
However, voters may still request an emailed absentee ballot or obtain an in-person absentee ballot through 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 1. Applications are available through the Elections System’s offices and online absentee-ballot portal.
Voters using this option should contact the Elections System promptly for instructions and to ensure they complete all required steps before the deadline.
Assistance and Accessible Voting
A blind or physically disabled voter may bring one person of their choosing into the voting booth to provide assistance.
A voter who requests assistance after entering the booth may also receive help from two election officers, who are required to provide the requested assistance without influencing the person’s vote. Accessible voting equipment includes options such as an audio ballot, headphones, a tactile keypad and other adaptive controls.
Campaigning is Restricted Near Voting Centers
Electioneering is prohibited within the fenced area of a voting center and within 200 feet of its main entrance or gate in all directions.
The restrictions cover campaign signs, handbills and literature, as well as solicitation, obstruction and intimidation. Candidates, campaigns and supporters should remain outside the prohibited area and should not interfere with voters entering or leaving a voting center.
Elections System Contact Information
Voters with questions about registration, absentee voting, voting locations or Election Day procedures may contact the Elections System at:
- St. Croix: 340-773-1021
- St. Thomas: 340-774-3107
- St. John: 340-776-6535
The Elections System’s VIVOTE website also provides voter lookup, sample ballots, voting-center notices and election updates.
The website has designated sections for unofficial and official primary results as they become available. The amended 2026 election calendar schedules certification of the primary results for August 11.
Election Day Checklist
Before leaving to vote, eligible voters should:
- Confirm that they are registered as Democrats.
- Review the correct district sample ballot.
- Select a voting center within their jurisdiction.
- Bring identification.
- Remember that polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Review both sides of the ballot.
- Follow the maximum number of selections permitted in each contest.
- Ask a poll worker for assistance or a replacement ballot when needed.
- Leave campaign activity and campaign materials outside the prohibited electioneering area.
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