2012 United States Virgin Islands hemp referendum

A referendum on the use of industrial hemp was held in the United States Virgin Islands on 6 November 2012, alongside general elections. The proposal was approved by 57% of voters.^[1]

2012 United States Virgin Islands hemp referendum

6 November 2012
Are you in favor of the Legislature enacting legislation that allows for the production, processing, manufacturing and distributing of industrial hemp in the Virgin Islands?
Results
Choice Votes  % Yes 4,559 57.47% No 3,374 42.53% Valid votes 7,933 27.70% Invalid or blank votes 20,710 72.30% Total votes 28,643 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 49,886 57.42%

Background

On 21 August 2012 the Legislature of the Virgin Islands voted by 10–4 to pass a law on the use of industrial hemp (hemp with a low tetrahydrocannabinol content). Governor John de Jongh signed it into law on 11 September 2012.^[1]

Results

Are you in favor of the Legislature enacting legislation that allows for the production, processing, manufacturing and distributing of industrial hemp in the Virgin Islands?

Choice		Votes	%
For		4,559	57.47
Against		3,374	42.53
Total		7,933	100.00
Valid votes		7,933	27.70
Invalid/blank votes		20,710	72.30
Total votes		28,643	100.00
Registered voters/turnout		49,886	57.42
Source: Direct Democracy

The unusually high number of blank votes was caused by the question being on the same ballot paper as the simultaneous general elections.^[1]

References

1. American Virgin Islands, 6 November 2012: Use of Industrial Hemp Direct Democracy (in German)