Ruff Start STX, Inc., the St. Croix-based dog rescue organization, has partnered with the U.S. Virgin Islands Board of Elections to host a Voter Education and Registration Drive on Tuesday, June 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ruff Night Hair of the Dog Bar, Victoria House Courtyard, 7 Strand St., Frederiksted, St. Croix.
The free event invites residents of all backgrounds to learn about the voter registration process in the USVI and register on the spot with Elections System officials. The evening begins with a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m., featuring drink specials, complimentary hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Sion Farm Distillery, and a free drink for anyone who completes a USVI voter registration. Formal voter registration with Board of Elections staff runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
Anyone who will be 18 years old by Nov. 3 is eligible to register. The deadline to vote for the Aug. 1 Primary Election is July 2.
“I believe in this event as a first step to turning passion into action,” said Katie Nelson, founder of Ruff Start STX. “We have many people who care deeply about many missions that focus on the betterment of our community. But if those people aren’t voting come election time, we are dead in the water. Without putting the right people in place who support these various missions, they will never flourish.”
Nelson said the partnership was a natural fit. “Ruff Night and Ruff Start STX have a wonderfully diverse and passionate following, so this event was a natural fit,” she said.
Attendees must bring original documents to register. Acceptable forms of identification include a birth certificate, U.S. passport, military discharge form (DD214), or naturalization certificate. Copies will not be accepted.
For questions about the registration process, contact the Elections System Office on St. Croix at 340-773-1021 or visit vivote.gov.
Remember: Your voice is your vote, and your vote is your voice.
