2014 United States Virgin Islands referendum

A two-part referendum was held in the United States Virgin Islands on 4 November 2014. Voters were asked whether they approve of extending the term of office of Senators from two to four years,[1] and whether the cultivation and use of cannabis for medical and research purposes should be allowed.[2]

The proposal to increase senatorial terms was rejected by 82% of voters, while the medical cannabis proposal was approved by 57% of voters.[3]

Background

The proposal to hold a referendum on increasing the term length of Senators was approved by the Legislature on 27 September 2014 by a vote of 7–6 with one abstention.[1] The proposal would only be implemented if a majority of those voting in the simultaneous general elections.[1]

In 2012 Senator Terrance Nelson proposed holding referendums on the use of medical cannabis and allowing the production, processing, manufacturing and distributing of industrial hemp. Although the holding of a referendum on medical cannabis referendum was blocked by the Legislature, it did allow a referendum on industrial hemp, which was approved by 57% of voters. Nelson again proposed holding a referendum on medical cannabis in 2014, and this time it was approved by a vote of 12–2. Unlike the term length question, the cannabis one was non-binding.[4]

Results

Increasing Senators' term length

Choice Votes %
For3,19217.60
Against14,94682.40
Invalid/blank votes9,741
Total27,879100
Registered voters/turnout51,32654.32
Source: VI Vote

Medical cannabis

Choice Votes %
For10,50356.54
Against8,07443.46
Invalid/blank votes9,302
Total27,879100
Registered voters/turnout51,32654.32
Source: VI Vote

References

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