Free Webinar: Fraud on the Line—Phone & Text Scams, May 18, 3 PM ET

Content starts here

AARP Virgin Islands Calls on Our Community to ACTIVATE!

27,491 Voters Went Silent. The Problems Got Louder.

Rebecca Hughson,

AARP Virgin Islands

Published May 15, 2026

Diverse group of people standing together in the street during a protest

Getty Images

27,491 Voters Went Silent. The Problems Got Louder.

In the Virgin Islands, silence has power.

But when it comes to voting, silence can also come at a cost.

An estimated 27,491 registered voters in our territory did not participate in recent elections. That’s not just a number—it represents neighbors, families, coworkers, and entire communities whose voices were not heard when decisions were being made.

And when fewer people speak up, the problems we care about don’t get quieter—they get louder.

When We Don’t Vote, We Don’t Get Chosen

Every election shapes the future of our islands—our healthcare, our cost of living, our infrastructure, and the services we rely on as we age.

When we don’t show up, decisions still get made.

Policies still move forward.

Leaders still get chosen.

But they move forward without the full voice of our community.

Voting is one of the simplest ways to be heard. It’s how we say:

“These are the issues that matter to me.”
“This is the future I want for my family.”
“This is what our community deserves.”

This Isn’t About Politics. It’s About Power.

At AARP, we are nonpartisan—and this is bigger than any party or candidate.

This is about participation.

It’s about making sure that Virgin Islanders, especially those 50 and older, have a strong and visible voice in shaping the future of this territory.

Because when we vote:

We advocate for stronger healthcare systems
We support protections against fraud and scams
We influence policies that impact retirement, housing, and caregiving

Your vote is your voice—and your voice matters at every age.

You May Still Be Eligible to Vote

Here’s something many people don’t realize:

Even if you haven’t voted recently, you may still be registered.

The Virgin Islands Elections System encourages residents to check their voter status regularly.

Taking just a minute to confirm your status can help you avoid surprises on Election Day—and make sure you’re ready to participate when it matters most.

👉 Check your voter status here:

Know Your Voter Status

Most Popular

Your Voice Still Matters—And It’s Not Too Late

If you’ve been quiet in past elections, you’re not alone.

But you are still part of this community. And your voice is still needed.

This is your moment to re-engage.

To stand up for what matters to you.

To show up for your family, your future, and your community.

Because when more of us participate, we all have a stronger say in what comes next.

Let’s Turn the Volume Back Up

27,491 voters may have gone silent.

But the story doesn’t end there.

We can choose to show up.

We can choose to participate.

We can choose to be heard.

This is our community.

This is our future.

Let’s make sure our voices are part of it.

✔️ 3 Easy Steps to Reactivate Your Vote

Getting back in the process is simple—and it only takes a few minutes:

1. Check your status

Start by confirming where you stand. Visit the VI Elections System and make sure your registration is active.

👉 Know Your Voter Status

2. Update your information (if needed)

If your status is inactive or your information has changed, you can update it before Election Day. In many cases, you can reactivate your status when you go to vote by confirming your address.

3. Make a plan to vote

Decide how you’ll participate—early voting, vote by mail, or on Election Day—and mark your calendar. Having a plan makes it much more likely you’ll follow through.