ISLANDERS have just a few days to register to vote for the upcoming October elections.

With GST, the Waterfront development and electoral reform the subject of much debate, Jersey’s voters are likely to turn out in force. Jersey residents have until noon on Monday to register for the right to choose who sits in the States for the next three years.

With 54,300 people registered as of 1 September, it remains to be seen whether the voter apathy at past elections will continue. The electoral roll peaked at 54,300 three years ago but, with the addition of 16- and 17-year-olds, who are allowed to vote for the first time in Jersey, and late registrations, that figure could be higher this year.

Sue de Gruchy, the secretary of the Constables Committee, said that all parishes had seen increased registrations in recent weeks. ‘It is always difficult to say what the final figure will be – 800 people signed up throughout August.
‘You would expect to see an increase because 16- and 17-year-olds are now allowed to vote. The recent campaigns have highlighted the need for people to register to vote and people have responded to leaflets.’

However, a flurry of electoral registrations in the last few weeks has been attributed to the referendum on Central European Time, which will be held at the same time, and not increased interest in the elections. The trend has been welcomed by Privileges and Procedures vice-chairman Deputy Juliette Gallichan, who described any increase of voters on the electoral roll as a ‘bonus’.

To register, voters must be over 16 and have lived in Jersey for the last two years, or the last six months on top of a previous period of five years. Forms can be collected from parish halls or online at www.vote.je.