Measures being put in place within schools to raise awareness amongst first time voters and the importance of being on the electoral register
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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE BY DEPUTY J.M. MACON OF ST. SAVIOUR
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 25th MAY 2010
Question
"What measures, if any, are being put in place within schools to raise awareness amongst first time voters on the voting process and the importance of being on the electoral register before the 2011 elections and, if none, why not?"
Answer
In accordance with the terms of reference of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, as set out under Standing Order 128(b), it is the Committee's responsibility to: keep under review the rules for enfranchisement and for the conduct of elections and to bring forward for approval by the States amendments to the Public Elections (Jersey) Law 2002, as considered appropriate'.
As with the 2008 elections, the Privileges and Procedures Committee will undertake an advertising campaign in advance of the 2011 elections in order to raise awareness and encourage potential voters to register to vote. This will be followed by further advertising to promote polling day.
The Committee would encourage all potential voters to enrol on the electoral register, including those who have recently reached voting age, those who have been in the Island for the required 2 year period, those who have returned to the Island following a period of absence, and indeed any possible voter whose name does not appear on the electoral register at present. It is important that all eligible sectors of the community are aware of the need to register, irrespective of age, and it is appropriate that all such voters are treated equally and are made aware through the advertising campaign.
Education, Sport and Culture have advised that amendments were made to the curriculum to take account of the revised voting age in 2008, and the Personal, Social and Health Education citizenship programme now prepares young students for voting. A leaflet has also been produced entitled: "Are you 16 or over: do you know how to vote?" which is distributed to schools in the run-up to elections.
The Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel is currently undertaking a review into political education in Jersey and the engagement of young people in politics. That review will examine the current policy for political education and how it is delivered in Jersey. Should any recommendations arise from that review which refer to the role of the Privileges and Procedures Committee they will be considered by the Committee in due course.