Online application launched to boost voter registration

Saturday 03 March 2018

An online service has been launched to encourage more islanders to sign the electoral register ahead of Jersey's next elections in May.

It's the latest addition to the parishes’ online services, which also cover rates, driving licences and changes of name and address.

Len Norman, Chairman of both the Privileges and Procedures Committee and the Comité des Connétables, said: “The States last week agreed a change to the Public Elections Law which enables us to provide an online application form. This is an exciting step forward as we move towards automatic registration. 

"I have tested the new on-line registration system myself and found it quick and easy to use. I am particular pleased that the online form has simplified the residence criteria questions which makes it easy to complete. The paper application form will continue to be available for parishioners who prefer that process but I hope that those who are not yet registered and who have access to the internet will give it a go!"

The development is part of the ongoing work to review the delivery of services by parishes to ensure they are cost effective, convenient and easy to use, and to
provide access online where applicable.

Launched on My Parish Online on 1 March, it has been tested with devices including smart phones and tablets. A link to the online registration form is also available on Vote.je.

Once submitted, the application is sent to the parish in which the person resides and, provided the person is eligible, their name will be added to the electoral register.

To be entitled to register to vote, a person needs:

• to be ordinarily resident in Jersey;
• to be 16 years old or over;
• to have lived in Jersey for either the last two years, or the last six months plus additional periods that total at least five years.

A person can apply to register up to three months before their 16th birthday or before they complete either of the residence periods.