Jersey politicians relax election rules to allow more residents to vote
Politicians backed Deputy Hilary Jeune's proposal by 30 votes to 16, meaning the residency requirement will be reduced from two years to 12 months.
Deputy Jeune believes it is "a small but meaningful step toward a more inclusive democracy" ahead of Jersey's next General Election on Sunday 7 June 2026 - which will also see the role of Senators return.
While canvassing in 2022, she says newer residents were frustrated at the two-year rule as they wanted to vote but were shut out.
Her amendment argues that key workers and professionals moving to Jersey should be allowed to decide how the island is governed at an earlier stage, rather than being disenfranchised.
Deputy Jeune hopes the move will lead to higher public engagement in politics and greater voter turnout, as well as bringing the island in line with other jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man.
A review is also underway which could see all prisoners in Jersey given the right to vote - currently, those detained for longer than four years are disqualified from having their say in an election.
Want the inside track on the key issues that will shape Guernsey's Election this June? Listen to Guernsey Votes, an ITV Channel podcast packed with expert guests, local insight and analysis you can trust...
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The National
12 hours ago
- The National
We do not send SNP MPs to Westminster to enjoy themselves
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Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
Kemi Badenoch's reshuffle has done nothing to energise the Tory brand
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Jean Maigrot London SW6 SIR – I have had many conversations with fellow Conservative Party members since last year's bruising defeat. Even now, more than 12 months on, there remains widespread dismay at some of the decisions made during our time in government – and, in many quarters, outright anger at the lack of decisive action taken on a host of issues that matter deeply to voters. To stand any chance of regaining power, the party will need to put forward an unapologetically bold and wide-ranging set of policies that address public concerns. The problem is that I simply can't see it happening. And if I – a paid-up member of the party – feel this way, I struggle to see how we can expect to win back the confidence of the wider electorate. James Luke Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire SIR – The existence of a Right and a Left in the Conservative Party, split over matters such as the ECHR, is a fundamental barrier to its recovery. 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The National
2 days ago
- The National
Labour are creating uncertainty and acting against democratic freedom
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