New Requirements to Run as Democrat in November Election

DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 

Office of the State Chairwoman 

NOTICE TO DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES 

DPVI Requirements for Certification as a Democratic Party Nominee - 2026 Election Cycle 

To: Prospective Candidates Seeking the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands (DPVI) Nomination 

From: Carol M. Burke, State Chairwoman, Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands 

Date: February 20, 2026 

Subject: DPVI Certification Requirements for Candidates Seeking to Run Under the DPVI Banner 

The Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands (DPVI) issues this official notice to all individuals considering candidacy in the 2026 Virgin Islands election cycle under the Democratic Party banner. 

As outlined in the DPVI 2026 Primary Election and Certification Plan, the Democratic Party retains exclusive authority to certify and recognize individuals as official Democratic nominees. Participation in the election process under the DPVI banner is not automatic and requires compliance with DPVI internal candidate eligibility standards, endorsement requirements, and filing procedures. 

This notice is intended to ensure that all prospective candidates clearly understand the steps required to be considered for DPVI certification and to receive the Party's official nod. 

1. Mandatory Eligibility Requirement: Party Registration and Good Standing 

2. DPVI Candidate Compliance 

All candidates seeking to run under the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands must meet the Party's threshold eligibility requirement: 

Deadline: February 28, 2026 

To be considered as a DPVI candidate for the 2026 election cycle, individuals must be: 

Registered as a Democrat, and 

1. In Good Standing with the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands no later than February 28, 2026 

   1. Good Standing includes compliance with DPVI bylaws, membership obligations, and the absence of unresolved disciplinary matters. 
      

   2. Candidates who are not registered Democrats by this date, or who are not in Good Standing, will not be eligible for DPVI certification as a Democratic nominee. 
      

2. DPVI Candidate Filing Packet Requirement 

   1. All prospective candidates must submit a completed DPVI Candidate Filing Packet as part of the Party's certification process. This packet ensures that candidates meet DPVI's standards for integrity, eligibility, and readiness. 
      

   2. The DPVI Candidate Filing Packet includes, but is not limited to: 

      1. Statement of Candidacy 

      2. Copy of valid identification (Voter Registration Card or other acceptable ID) 

      3. Signed Loyalty Pledge 
         

   3. Candidate Endorsement Form(s) (as required by the office sought) Filing Fee Receipt 

      1. Any additional documentation required to verify eligibility and compliance The DPVI reserves the right to reject incomplete submissions or submissions that fail to satisfy required thresholds. 

      2. Endorsement Requirement 

         Candidates must secure endorsements from members of the DPVI Territorial Committee in accordance with the DPVI Certification Plan and the endorsement thresholds established for each office. 
         

3. DPVI Candidate Compliance 

Endorsements are a mandatory component of DPVI certification and serve as the Party's internal demonstration of candidate viability, community confidence, and party support. 

4. Filing with DPVI and Filing with ESVI are Separate Requirements Candidates are reminded that: 

Filing with the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands (DPVI) is an internal Party certification requirement. 

Filing nomination papers with the Elections System of the Virgin Islands (ESVI) is a separate legal election requirement. 

Both filings are required. 

A candidate may successfully file with ESVI and still not be recognized as a DPVI nominee if DPVI requirements are not met. 

5. DPVI Certification Authority 

Under the DPVI 2026 Election and Certification Plan, DPVI certification is the official process by which the Party confirms which candidates may lawfully appear as Democratic nominees. 

Candidates should understand clearly: DPVI does not automatically endorse. DPVI certifies candidates through a defined process. 

6. Candidate Responsibility 

1. All prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to begin preparation immediately.
   

2. Each candidate is responsible for: 

   1. Ensuring they are properly registered as a Democrat 

   2. Maintaining DPVI Good Standing 

   3. Meeting endorsement requirements 

   4. Submitting a complete DPVI filing packet 

   5. Complying with all DPVI deadlines 

7. DPVI Candidate Compliance 

Submission Instructions 

Completed DPVI Candidate Filing Packets must be submitted electronically to: 

Office of the DPVI State Chairwoman 

Email: democraticpartyvi@gmail.com 

Additional points of contact will be provided in the official Candidate Filing Packet release. 

The Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and accountable candidate certification process that protects the integrity of the Democratic ballot and strengthens public confidence in our elections. 

If you are considering a 2026 candidacy, you are encouraged to act early, prepare responsibly, and ensure you meet all DPVI eligibility requirements before the February 28, 2026, Good Standing deadline. 

Respectfully 

Cann Riz 

Carol M. Burke 

State Chairwoman 

le Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands