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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMITÉ DES CONNÉTABLES BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 10th MARCH 2009
Question
What measures, if any, does the Comité have under consideration to increase voter participation in the next election, especially for those who are housebound or otherwise disabled and for whom a postal vote is essential if they are to vote?
Has the Comité considered the latest changes in the UK to render postal voting for persons with disability easier, and, if so, will the Connétable s be adopting some or all of the initiatives?
Answer
The Comité has not, as yet, considered any measures to increase voter participation in the next election but it is intended to hold a meeting with the Jurats and the Judicial Greffier to highlight any concerns raised from the 2008 elections.
In relation to those who are housebound or otherwise disabled, every Parish makes provision to assist ill or disabled voters to ensure their vote is cast on polling day. The Gazette notice advertising the arrangements for polling day always refers to the availability of postal voting and electors who are unable to vote by postal voting, who are confined to their homes owing to illness or disability and who wish to have their votes recorded by the Autorisé or Adjoint, are requested to notify their respective Parish Hall so that arrangements may be made for the elector to be visited on polling day. The provisions in the Public Elections (Jersey) Law 2002 (and similar provisions existed in earlier laws) are as follows:
Article 35 Ill or disabled voters
- Inthecaseof a person entitled to vote who is ill, disabled or illiterate, the Autoriséoran Adjoint ma take such measures ashe or she considersappropriatefor taking his orhervote, provided secrecyinvotingis maintained.
- Those measuresmayinclude a visittothe person for the purpose of delivering a ballot paperto t person, attendingwhilst the person records his orher vote on it, and bringing the ballot paper back to the polling station and placing it in the ballot box.
The Comité has not yet considered the latest changes in the UK to render postal voting for persons with disability easier and therefore I am unable to say whether or not the Connétable s will be adopting some or all of the initiatives.