The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection of the Virgin Islands Legislature convened on August 8, 2025, to discuss the election certification process. The meeting focused on the steps involved in finalizing election results, particularly the role of absentee ballots and provisional ballots.

During the session, officials explained that unofficial election results are provided on election night, but official results cannot be confirmed until absentee ballots are counted, which occurs ten days post-election. This period is crucial for verifying voter eligibility and ensuring all ballots, including provisional ones, are accurately processed. The staff checks the validity of provisional ballots and prepares notifications for voters regarding the status of their votes.

The certification process involves the Board of Elections, which must convene to verify and sign off on the final tabulations. A majority of the board members, specifically eight, must be present for the certification to be official. Once all ballots are accounted for and verified, the results are certified by the board and reported to the Supervisor of Elections.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of transparency and public understanding of the election process, with officials emphasizing their commitment to clear communication with voters. The overall timeline for finalizing election results can extend up to 45 days due to the necessary audits and checks.

This discussion underscores the complexities of the electoral process in the Virgin Islands and the measures in place to ensure accuracy and integrity in elections.