2022 Voting Season in Final Phase as Candidates Cast Lots
The 2022 voting season moved into its final phase on Monday evening as candidates participated in the casting of lots for ballot positions in the November General Election.
2022-08-31 13:46:26 - VI News Staff
The atmosphere in the Election System offices on St. Thomas was relaxed as the brief proceeding took place simultaneously by way of Livestream video. While on St. Croix, candidates and supporters were amped up, ready to receive their assigned numbers, and even provided cheers of joy once candidates were assigned their numbers.
In both locations, by the time election workers and members of the Board of Elections assembled, so had a small crowd of candidates for public office. The hopefuls lined the hallway outside the conference room on St. Thomas until they were summoned inside to view the drawing. While on St. Croix, clusters of crowds assembled around their candidate of choice as they patiently waited.
Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes signaled the start shortly after 5:30 p.m. By then, Deputy Supervisors Kevermay Douglas and Terrell Alexandre completed the testing of audio and visual connections between the two offices.
Alexandre got things started by drawing the numbers for Delegate to Congress. Fawkes noted that the incumbent, Delegate Stacey Plaskett, is running unopposed, so she drew ballot spot one.
The next set of drawings was for candidate teams running in the race for governor and lieutenant governor. With help from a staff member, Alexandre drew numbers for the four competing teams.
Then came the ballot spots for the 35th Legislature, starting with Senator-At-Large. Sitting Sen. Angel Bolques Jr. drew ballot spot one for that race. Challenger Sherry Ann Francis drew the next ballot spot in the two-person race.
Elections staff workers called out each ballot section before the drawing began. Folded bits of paper were dropped into a clear plastic bin, which was then shaken before the top was opened for the drawing. If the candidates were present, they could reach inside the box when their race was called and draw their own number, or they could send a notarized letter designating someone else to complete the task.