A campaign has been launched with a new website, posters and door-to-door visits, aiming to generate enthusiasm for Alderney’s autumn elections.
Polling day for Alderney’s general election is November 16th when five of the 10 States of Alderney Member seats will be contested.
Following this, there will also be separate elections for the role of States of Alderney President (November 30th) and a plebiscite election in which voters can express their preference for the two States Members who will represent Alderney in the States of Deliberation in Guernsey (December 7th).
The website, emphasises the importance of residents using their vote to make their voice count. It lists five reasons why all of those who are eligible should vote and explains how residents can ensure they are registered on the electoral roll, the duties of a States Member and the President, the function of hustings, what happens on election day, how ballot papers are counted, and the term of office and duties of a States Member.
The website also offers detailed information on How Government Works and how to become a candidate in the elections.
There is also a Frequently Asked Questions section and links to a ‘pre-election period guidance’ document to assist sitting States Members and staff in the run-up to the elections.
In addition posters, door-to-door visits and leaflet drop are designed to make sure local people are on the Electoral Roll and why their vote is essential in a democratic society.
Alderney’s Returning Officer, Chief Clerk Theo Leijser, said: “This autumn presents an opportunity for everyone on the Island to make their voice heard in the way we are governed.
“We hope everyone who is eligible to vote does so because a high turnout is essential to show community spirit, and we also hope a good number of candidates come forward for the election in a sense of engagement and collective responsibility.
“We need candidates whose principal motivation is that they care about Alderney and have something positive to contribute either through their experience in life or their training and professional expertise, or both.”
