Debate over voting protocols dominated Wednesday’s session of the Sixth Constitutional Convention. The Human Rights Committee spent two hours reviewing three sections in Article IV covering suffrage and elections.
As has been the practice in previous sessions, committee members offered their version of changes to the language set out in the Fifth Constitutional Convention. Wednesday’s agenda was supposed to begin working on Article I – the Bill of Rights, but David Silverman, the author of proposed revisions to that section, was absent from the meeting.
The vice chair then introduced a set of proposals covering voting rights, campaign finance regulations, and electoral procedures. Rudel A. Hodge. Jr said the changes were intended to modernize the way election systems function, based on language “in alignment with international best practices.”
After some debate, a number of proposals were tabled for further discussion. One proposal was deleted on a voice vote by six committee members. One proposal was upheld when a motion was rejected to remove it.
Topics covered included eligible voting age, residency requirements for voter participation, and eligibility for felons who have paid their debt to society. There was also debate over voters who, due to their international status, can vote in both the V.I. and abroad.
Human Rights Committee Chair Stedmann Hodge Jr. signaled his sentiment for Wednesday’s proposals. “I am definitely satisfied with these articles,” he said.
But in other parts of the discussion, the Hodge questioned whether changes should be made in the draft constitution or if they would best be handled through legislation.
Delegates also took a look at campaign finance regulations, accessibility for disabled voters and voter tracking methods for those using electronic ballots. Convention President Usie Richards pointed out that there were five or six delegates taking part in Wednesday meetings who were former members of the Board of Elections.
And as it was when an earlier convention committee meeting examined the structure and function of the Legislative Branch, delegates who formerly held Senate seats offered insights on what language should be included or excluded.
Further review is expected to take place Saturday when the Human Rights Committee reconvenes via Zoom, starting at 10 a.m. In addition to reviewing proposed language for the Bill of Rights, the committee will examine language addressing voting and the territory’s youth, and Initiatives, Referendums and Recalls.
The public is invited to attend. Click here to join the meeting.