Dear Source:
I hope recent editorials in our local newspapers were not intended to denigrate the importance and significance of having all who were born in the Virgin Islands of participating in the adoption of our constitution. Obstruction of this absolutely necessary component of adopting a Virgin Islands constitution takes many forms. Some state that the amendment is "not a very practical idea." Yet they give no reason for such a statement. Furthermore, comparisons to state constitutions or analogies to state election processes are misplaced. However, as expected, when we as a people want to be inclusive of those who should be included, there is always opposition. But this time the opposition has no basis, logic or any type of coherent pattern.
Passports and birth certificates provide the necessary proof regarding place of birth. Remember, this is not a regular election. This is a special election and special rules should apply. The purpose of this election is to adopt a constitution. Registration as a Virgin Islands voter is not necessary or warranted in this process. Virgin Islands laws already deter fraud and current federal laws deter and punish wire, mail, and election fraud. The special election is over a year away; thus, there is sufficient time for family members, friends, classmates, employers, and employees to receive information about participating in the special election.
We can use the internet, cell phones, and the mail to share and collect all the information regarding born Virgin Islanders. There are no logistical, practical, or administrative barriers that could obstruct this inclusive amendment. We are not "opening the floodgates" as some suggest. Instead we are expanding the participants to native Virgin Islanders who have an interest in participating in the adoption of a document which will govern the Virgin Islands for generations to come.
People should not be forced to come physically back to the Virgin Islands to participate in this special election. We are in the 21st century where the world is made smaller through technology and communication. We must use such technology as a vehicle for including, rather than excluding, all who were born in the Virgin Islands, in this historic election.
Sen. Ronald E. Russell
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