The V.I. Elections Office has implemented a new, territorywide voter registration card, Elections Supervisor Caroline F. Fawkes announced Tuesday.
The card will be used on all three islands.
Fawkes said one of the main, visible changes is the addition of the voter’s polling place location, which is consistent with many of the voter cards on the mainland.
Those who already have a voter ID card are not required to obtain the new card, she added.
These measures are intended to ensure that registered voters are who they say they are, according to the announcement.
More than 30 states have implemented voter’s ID cards, according to Tuesday’s announcement. The laws, most of which have been passed or strengthened in the last five years, require that registered voters show ID before they’re allowed to vote.
“The electoral system cannot inspire public confidence if no safeguards exist to deter or detect fraud or to confirm the identity of voters," according to the news release, citing the Commission on Federal Election Reform. "Photo IDs currently are needed to board a plane, enter federal buildings and cash a check. Voting is equally important.”
The Elections Office encouraged the public to come in and register to vote before Oct. 9, when voter registration will be close for the 30 days before the Nov. 8 general election.
Questions about the required documents to register to vote or other in general election questions can be addressed by phone to the offices (St. Thomas, 340-774-3107; St. Croix, 340-773-1021; St. John, 340-776-6535) or on the Elections website at www.vivote.gov.
