A constitutional referendum was held in the United States Virgin Islands on 6 March 1979.[1] Federal law passed by the United States Congress authorized the Virgin Islands and Guam to pass constitutions and form governments. A Constitutional Council had subsequently been elected in the 1977 general elections. The Council wrote and then unanimously adopted a draft constitution which provided for an elected governor and treasurer, a 17-seat Legislature, a local justice system and protections for Virgin Islander culture.
1979 United States Virgin Islands constitutional referendum|
|
|
Choice
|
Votes
|
%
|
 Yes
|
4,696
|
43.96%
|
 No
|
5,986
|
56.04%
|
| Valid votes
|
10,682
|
100.00%
|
| Invalid or blank votes
|
0
|
0.00%
|
| Total votes
|
10,682
|
100.00%
|
| Registered voters/turnout
|
27,732
|
38.52%
| |
The draft constitution was rejected by the voters in the referendum.[1]
| Choice
|
Votes
|
%
|
| Approve new constitution |
4,696 |
43.96
|
| Reject new constitution |
5,986 |
56.04
|
| Invalid votes |
|
–
|
| Total |
10,682 |
100
|
| Registered voters/turnout |
27,732 |
38.23
|
| Source: Direct Democracy
|
