It’s now just 97 days until Jersey islanders get to vote in the 49 Members of the States Assembly – Jersey’s elected parliament – who will make key decisions about the future of the Island, for the next four years.
To help Islanders to understand the system, recent changes to the electoral law, and to learn about the candidates, Vote.je – Jersey’s Official Voting Guide – continues to roll out a range of campaign materials.
New video exploring the importance of diversity to Islanders
A new video (above) has just launched featuring Islanders talking about why diversity in the States Assembly is important to them. The video is designed to both encourage voters to think about what they’re looking for in candidates and to inspire more people from underrepresented backgrounds to think about standing for election.
Register
Vote.je have worked with the Parishes to ensure a letter reaches every household this week showing the names of each individual currently on the electoral register. Islander are reminded that there’s still time to register and it takes just 2 minutes online. The deadline is midday on Tuesday 10th May at midday.
Application forms to vote by post
The letter also includes an application form to vote by post in this year’s election – the first time that this has been available to everyone (previously this was only available if you were off-Island on polling day). One copy of the form has been enclosed but additional copies can be downloaded from Vote.je or collected from the Parish Halls, Judicial Greffe in the Royal Square or the Town Library from 4 April.
Monthly reminder in lights!
Next Tuesday, 22nd March, Fort Regent will be lit up red for the second monthly countdown to election day. This will take place on the 22nd evening of every month, right up until election week, when it will be illuminated red for the entire week. Vote.je continues to encourage Islanders to register to vote and hopes that when Islanders see the red light they are reminded to do so.
Information about candidates
The names and manifestos of all the Election ’22 candidates will be available on 18th May on Vote.je, following which booklets, videos and hustings events will give Islanders lots of opportunities to learn more about the candidates.
Jenny O’Brien, Head of Digital and Public Engagement, said: “This is an election like no other that has gone before in Jersey. We know that Islanders, whether they have lived here all their lives, or have recently moved over, care passionately about the many issues that impact our day to day lives. From healthcare to taxes, the environment to education.
“We understand some of the barriers people have reported in the past and hope that the recent changes, such as the introduction of postal voting, will make it easier for Islanders to use their vote to choose the candidates who they feel will best represent their views on these issues.”
