Unlike U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands have never ratified their own constitution, despite broad support among residents for greater self-determination. That could change in 2027, when voters are scheduled to consider a territory-wide ratification vote in July. A new U-M study, however, finds many residents feel excluded from the drafting process. In this research spotlight from Michigan News, scholars from the University of Michigan’s Center for Racial Justice examine the gap between public support and civic participation in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
