2014 United States Virgin Islands referendum

A two-part referendum was held in the United States Virgin Islands on 4 November 2014. Voters were asked whether they approve of extending the term of office of Senators from two to four years,[1] and whether the cultivation and use of cannabis for medical and research purposes should be allowed.[2]

2014 United States Virgin Islands referendum
7 November 2000
Are you in favor of the United States Congress amending Section 6(1) of the revised Organic Act of 1954 to increase the term of office of local Senators from two years to four years?
For
17.60%
Against
82.40%
Should the Legislature of the Virgin Islands consider legislation to allow for the cultivation and use of cannabis (commonly known as marijuana) for medical and research purposes?
For
56.54%
Against
43.46%

The proposal to increase senatorial terms was rejected by 82% of voters, while the medical cannabis proposal was approved by 57% of voters.[3]

Background

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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.[1] The proposal would only be implemented if a majority of those voting in the simultaneous general elections.[1]

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 cannabis one was non-binding.[4]

Results

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Increasing Senators' term length

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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

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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

References

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