The United States Virgin Islands' at-large congressional district encompasses the entire area of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The territory does not have a voting member of Congress, but does elect a delegate who can participate in debates. Since the Virgin Islands first held a delegate election in 1972, the voters of the territory have elected a Democrat on 23 occasions, a Republican once and an Independent once. In total, three Democrats, one Republican and one Independent (who caucused with Democrats) have represented the Virgin Islands in the U.S. Congress.