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WQ.238/2022
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIR OF THE COMITÉ DES CONNÉTABLE BY DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 24th OCTOBER 2022 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 31st OCTOBER 2022
Question
In relation to children, younger adults and those from minority communities, will the Chair advise what work and initiatives, if any, the parishes have undertaken to raise awareness and encourage attendance at parish meetings, and to encourage these groups to take part in elections?
Answer
At this early stage of the States term, the Comité has not yet discussed new initiatives to encourage younger Parishioners or those from minority groups to attend Parish Assemblies.
The Connétable s continue to work with schools to assist in incorporating parochial and political subjects in their curriculum. This can include visits to the Parish Hall and assistance with school elections using the ballot box. We are also supportive of initiatives by the States Greffe to offer school attendances in the States Chamber.
Parish Assemblies are advertised on the respective Parish websites; these have been specifically developed to allow the user to select a preferred language of English, Portuguese or Polish and also have an Accessibility Menu. Parishioners can subscribe to be notified by email of news and events when these are added to the sites. Several Parishes also have social media accounts or send a flyer to advertise meetings. Further development of websites and the use of social media platforms will be considered to reach out to all parishioners including those in groups which may be under represented such as younger adults and from minority communities. Parish Assemblies are also advertised on the online Jersey Gazette.
Any person who is 16 years of age and who meets the residence criteria is eligible to register as an elector and to exercise their right to attend and vote at the Parish Assembly. The annual canvas of electors takes place each autumn to ensure persons are registered and Parishes are also proactive in ensuring those who contact the Parish, for example for a change of address or apply for a provisional licence, also register.
Whilst the Connétable s encourage all to attend it is ultimately a decision for the individual as to how he or she chooses to participate in parish affairs. Where the business conducted consists of straightforward housekeeping' matters it is fair to say that the number attending is usually a small proportion though it may be higher for the annual meetings where the rates are determined or if a contentious issue is on the agenda.