United States Virgin Islands referendum, 2014
A two-part referendum was held in the United States Virgin Islands on 4 November 2014. Voters were asked whether the approve of extending the term of office of Senators from two to four years, and whether the cultivation and use of cannabis for medical and research purposes should be allowed.
The proposal to increase senatorial terms was rejected by 82% of voters, while the medical cannabis proposal was approved.by 57% of voters.
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. The proposal will only be implemented if a majority of those voting in the simultaneous general elections.
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 cannnabis one is non-binding.
Results
Increasing Senators' term length
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 3,192 | 17.60 |
| Against | 14,946 | 82.40 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 9,741 | – |
| Total | 27,879 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 51,326 | 54.32 |
| Source: VI Vote | ||
Medical cannabis
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 10,503 | 56.54 |
| Against | 8,074 | 43.46 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 9,302 | – |
| Total | 27,879 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 51,326 | 54.32 |
| Source: VI Vote | ||
