Jersey politicians relax election rules to allow more residents to vote
People who have lived in Jersey for at least a year will now be able to vote in the island's elections.
Politicians backed Deputy Hilary Jeune's proposal by 30 votes to 16, meaning the residency requirement will be reduced from two years to 12 months.
Deputy Jeune believes it is "a small but meaningful step toward a more inclusive democracy" ahead of Jersey's next General Election on Sunday 7 June 2026 - which will also see the role of Senators return.
While canvassing in 2022, she says newer residents were frustrated at the two-year rule as they wanted to vote but were shut out.
Her amendment argues that key workers and professionals moving to Jersey should be allowed to decide how the island is governed at an earlier stage, rather than being disenfranchised.
Deputy Jeune hopes the move will lead to higher public engagement in politics and greater voter turnout, as well as bringing the island in line with other jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man.
A review is also underway which could see all prisoners in Jersey given the right to vote - currently, those detained for longer than four years are disqualified from having their say in an election.
Want the inside track on the key issues that will shape Guernsey's Election this June? Listen to Guernsey Votes, an ITV Channel podcast packed with expert guests, local insight and analysis you can trust...
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