The right for Virgin Islanders to vote for president of the United States is gaining advocates through a new project. “We the People Project” is a nonprofit organization that fights to achieve equal rights and representation for residents of U.S. territories. Around 50 locals interested in equal voting rights for U.S. citizens living in the Virgin Islands attended an informational meeting Wednesday. Neil Weare, president and founder of “We the People Project,” said people in the territories want full rights. “They should not be treated like second-class citizens. It’s time to move beyond a 115-year-old doctrine. Together we can make the argument that where you live shouldn’t make a difference in your voting rights.”
He said every U.S. citizen should enjoy the right to vote for president, including those who call the U.S. Virgin Islands home. He said 4,000,000 people in the U.S. territories keep being denied the right to vote.
Weare suggested those interested take the following steps of action: first go to www.RepresentVI.org. and complete the “Right to Vote Survey.”
Weare said more than 4,000 residents of U.S. territories have taken the survey. The goal is to receive 5,000 surveys before the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act on August 6. He said people can get involved in leadership positions, adding that those interested should talk to their local elected officials about the right to vote. And there is fundraising that needs to be done, he said.
Full Article: Equal Voting Rights Movement Begins in the Territory | St. Croix Source.