Early voting in the U.S. Virgin Islands continues steadily before it ends on October 29, with 5,487 USVI citizens participating in the process. Photo: VI Consortium

The figure represents a staggering number even as there are 6 more days of early voting remaining in St. Croix and St. Thomas (early voting ends on St. John today, according to the Election System of the Virgin Islands).

The large turnout has surprised political observers who are parsing what the numbers represent. And St. Thomas continues to outpace St. Croix, with 3,057 people in St. Thomas voting early, while St. Croix lags behind with 2,268 votes. In St. John, 162 individuals have voted early — bringing the total so far to 5,487.

When early voting ends on Monday, it will be just 8 days before the November 6 general election.

“Every election is determined by the people who show up,” said Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes, quoting Larry J. Sabato in his book, Pendulum Swing.

According to information provided by the Election System, there are 51,112 voters in U.S. Virgin Islands.

On St. Croix, the breakdown is as follows:

• Democrat: 16,079
• Independent Citizen Movement: 687
• No Party: 6,455
• Republican: 1,121
• Total: 24,342

Breakdown on St. Thomas

• Democrat: 15,885
• Independent Citizen Movement: 568
• No Party: 7,562
• Republican: 662
• Total: 24,677

St. John

• Democrat: 1,114
• Independent Citizen Movement
• No Party: 833
• Republican: 79
• Total: 2,093

To vote early on St. Croix, head to the Election System office in the Sunny Isle Annex across from the WAPA building. On St. Thomas, early voting takes place at the Election System office in Lockhart Gardens upstairs Banco Popular. On St. John, early voting takes place at the Election System Offices located at the Market Place Suite II. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.