Mapp Signs Special Election Bills Into Law Ahead Of April 8 Contest

Governor Kenneth Mapp has signed two measures into law ahead of the April 8 special election in the St. Thomas-St. John district, which has been called by Mr. Mapp to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Kevin Rodriquez. Mr. Rodriquez was barred from being seated by the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands.

The governor approved Bill No. 32-0017, which amended Act No. 7892 relating to the unification of the election boards, authorizing the St. Thomas Board of Election to temporarily operate as a singular board to conduct the special election. Mr. Mapp also approved Bill No. 32-0022, which appropriates $90,000 to the Elections System of the Virgin Islands to conduct the April 8 contest.

Separately, the territory’s leader said he acknowledged a Senate resolution that establishes the majority caucus, its elected officers, appointed chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and members of the various committees of the 32nd Legislature.

The April 8 contest will see 14 candidates vying for the sole seat, among them Janelle Sarauw, whose challenge to Mr. Rodriquez turned into a saga that ended with Mr. Mapp calling a special election, following a District Court ruling.

The complete list of candidates was sent to local media by the Elections System of the Virgin Islands. Also among the names is former Senator Justin Harrigan, Sr., who had lost his seat during last year’s general election. Mr. Harrigan came under fire in November 2015, after stating during a Senate hearing that senators could “take” the government’s money when hard times hit, with the intent of returning the funds.

See the full list of names in the spreadsheet below.