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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 1st JULY 2008
Question
In addition to the Scrutiny citizenship involvement, what specific initiatives are in place or under consideration in our schools and colleges to try to ensure registration of under 18's and promote their participation in voting in the forthcoming 2008 elections? In particular, what consideration, if any, has been given to enabling access by candidates on an equal basis to these newly enfranchised voters?
Answer
The Citizenship Curriculum, which was developed and implemented in schools during 2007 examines the structure of government in Jersey and explains the democratic process. As part of this program, the teachers involved in its delivery have been instructed to ensure that all pupils who will be 16 or above at the time of the election, have the registration and voting process explained to them.
To support this, a leaflet is currently being drafted which will provide a step-by-step guide to registration and voting.
Consideration is also being given to the practicalities of making registration forms available on school premises.
To supplement this work, the Department for Education, Sport and Culture, together with the Chief Minister's Department, is considering the feasibility of an electoral engagement project in conjunction with the British Youth Council. This would be designed to give young people a better understanding of what democracy entails and to explain how their participation in the electoral process can impact on decisions which affect young people.
Guidelines are currently being written to assist schools during an electoral period. These will be designed to ensure that young people are treated no differently to any other section of the voting population and to prevent disruption to the school curriculum.