ST. CROIX — Senator Kenneth Gittens, chairman of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, said that a hearing to be held on Friday will focus on the state of readiness of the Elections System and the territory’s boards of election for the upcoming November 2016 General Election.
The hearing, to be held in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on this island, comes just over a month before the November voting season.
“As chairman of the committee, I have invited election officials to provide testimony primarily regarding their state of readiness as we close in on the 2016 General Election just over a month away. We have seen a lot of disconcertment with the electorate over the past years and want to help to allay their fears and regain trust and confidence in the system and the process,” Mr. Gittens said.
Mr. Gittens said election officials have been asked to come prepared to give a report on the August 6, 2016 Primary Elections and to provide a report on the Board and System’s readiness and availability to conduct the 2016 General Election.
“What we are really hoping to hear is testimony regarding the board and system’s ability to carry out the election process and to facilitate the needs for the 2016 General Elections. We all have agreed that we cannot revisit the travesties of previous elections, and will use the experience to improve the election process,” he said.
Mr. Gittens, a second-term Democrat, said his office has received confirmation of attendance from some election officials and looks forward to a meaningful discussion as they strive to assure the Virgin Islands community that election officials are prepared to carry out their statutory responsibilities and that the people’s vote will count.
Members of the public are invited to attend the hearing in person or view online at www.legvi.org. The hearing can also be seen on Innovative Cable Channel 5 in both districts, or on radio dials 102.9 F.M., or 91.9 F.M.
Tags: elections system, us virgin islands, vote
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