Should a ‘none of the above’ option be added to electoral ballots?
Senator Mike Vibert
No. The Island has to have a government and the electorate has to choose it. A ‘none of the above’ option could mean the electorate ends up with the candidates they want least elected with a very few number of votes.
Montfort Tadier
Yes. This is common in many democracies; not really for elections with many candidates, but for smaller numbers. Where there are two unpopular candidates, this method would allow a third option – to have the nominations reopened. Follow-up by-elections are far less costly than electing unacceptable candidates to office.
Deputy Sarah Ferguson
States Members are expected to make decisions and not abstain. Should the same principles not apply to voters?
Deputy Alan Maclean
No. It might humiliate candidates brave enough to put their names forward for election. We want to encourage more candidates not fewer so that the public have the best possible choice of representatives.
Cliff Le Clercq
Yes, I have long held this view. The power belongs to the people, it would cure voter apathy and be a powerful way of getting rid of those who have failed you, democracy works from the voter up, not the ministers down, this would sharply remind them of that truth.
Senator Philip Ozouf
No, it would make nonsense of the elections. The States does need reform and ultimately the number of States Members reduced. I favour reform of Deputorial seats. We need a system that encourages a range of candidates with a range of policies which encourages voters.
Mike Higgins
Most people disillusioned with the States don’t vote. Perhaps if voting was made compulsory and more options as to how to vote were made available people could have this option. At least being made to vote might focus people’s minds on the issues which affect them and the candidates standing.
Nick Palmer
Absolutely. I think some of the sitting Members would get a big shock.
Senator Paul Routier
I don’t believe that is appropriate. If someone does not like any of the candidates, but does want to attend the poll they could always leave all spaces blank.
Deputy Alan Breckon
No – within reason and certain rules, anyone can stand for election, therefore, anybody not content with a candidate or candidates can stand against them or support someone who will.
Deputy Geoff Southern
I have not felt able to vote in several elections due to the poor quality of the candidates, but ‘none of the above’ is not an option. I believe that until we have a proper political party system in place to connect the vote to actions taken the electorate will stay disillusioned.
Trevor Pitman
A constant complaint I hear in Jersey is that people regularly have no one of quality standing in their district that they feel they can vote for. I have regularly felt this way myself. I believe the real way to tackle this problem is to work toward electoral reform.
Chris Perkins
It would indicate displeasure with all candidates, but is not very positive. We could look at ranking votes, or even positive and negative votes, both of these would give weighting to the voter’s favoured candidate. You can vote for up to six candidates, so one is better than none.
Nick Le Cornu
Yes – but only if voting is made obligatory.
Ian Le Marquand
No. Presumably the idea is that if ‘none of the above’ finished top then there would be another election. But a majority of voters might think that the top person was a reasonable candidate although some preferred another. This system could also leave an area unrepresented for some time.
Mark Forskitt
I like the idea, but I wonder what happens if ‘none of the above’ tops the poll.