Select a region
In one month’s time the public will vote on how to elect their Deputies to the States in Guernsey’s first ever referendum.
The States has committed to introduce the electoral system which is the most favoured in the referendum, provided that turnout at the referendum is at least 40% of the people on the Electoral Roll who are eligible to vote.
And as things stand, the amount of people currently on the role mean 12,000 islanders will need to cast their vote to ensure the most popular option is introduced.
"The purpose of the referendum is to empower the people of Guernsey to determine their future electoral system. The States has given a commitment to introduce the voting system which is the most favoured in the referendum as long as voter turnout is at least 40%," Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, Vice-President of the States Assembly & Constitution Committee, said.
Pictured: Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez
"The only way to ensure the future voting system is chosen by the people of Guernsey is if enough people vote in the referendum.
"If turnout is less than 40% there may be no clear direction from the public about whether the voting system should be changed. It will then be left to the States to take this decision, having reflected on the outcome of the referendum."
People can vote in person on the 10 October at any of the polling stations in the Electoral District in which they are registered to vote. Alternatively, people can register for a postal vote which enables them to vote when it is convenient for them before the day of the referendum. Applications for postal votes can be made online here or by picking up a form from Sir Charles Frossard House, the Guille Allès Library or the various Constables’ and Parish offices.
Deputy de Sausmarez added: "We are pleased that we are seeing a steady increase of people opting to register for a postal vote, with applications rising from 100 to 500 within a single week. Two thirds of applications have been submitted online. People have until the 4 October to register for a postal vote.”
A leaflet has been delivered to every household in the island providing all the information voters need to know to take part in the referendum. It is also available to read online here.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.