Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp advised Senate President Myron Jackson Friday that he has approved funds for a special election so Virgin Islands’ voters may consider a citizens’ initiative to change the structure of the Legislature.
According to a news release issued by Government House, Bill No. 32-0329, now Act No. 8127, provides for a special election to consider a plan to create district senators and at-large senators and to impose residency requirements.
The bill, passed by Senators last week, also appropriates $145,000 to the Virgin Islands Elections System to conduct the special election.
Mapp said the director of the Office of Management and Budget has already issued the allotment releasing the $145,000 to cover the costs of holding the special ballot vote.
“Accordingly, the Supervisor of Elections has received the resources to make all preparations to carry out the mandates of this Bill that I have signed into law today,” Mapp said in Friday’s news release.
