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Channel Islanders eligible for overseas voting during the UK general election have raised concerns that their ballot papers may not arrive in time to be counted tonight due to postal delays.
Some local voters have reported delays in receiving their postal ballot packs, with others saying that their filled-out forms have not yet been delivered back to their constituencies.
It follows a recent change in voting rights which allowed an estimated three million British citizens living abroad to participate in UK elections.
The Elections Act 2022 removed the previous 15-year limit on overseas voting registration and established voting rights based on the last UK address where citizens were registered or previously lived – a move which impacted many who live in the Channel Islands.
However, many islanders have reported feeling effectively disenfranchised due to postal delays meaning that their ballots might not arrive in time.
A spokesperson from Jersey Post said: “We understand the frustrations of islanders, and are aware of the reports in the UK media about delays to postal votes.
"We’ve been processing postal voting envelopes since the middle of June in our sorting office, with no backlogs, delivering these to islanders (or to the boat) within 24 hours of them arriving at our sorting office.
"Royal Mail is responsible for both delivering items to Jersey and for final delivery in the UK.”
Similar delays have been reported in Guernsey.
One resident wrote on social media: "I want to know how many postal ballots either have not arrived in time to vote or do not reach the ballot box in time.
"I think it is a question that needs addressing."
Some voters reported not receiving ballots at all, with one Guernsey resident saying on Facebook: "My wife had an email yesterday saying they hadn't sent it out and it was too late to send it now so she can't vote."
Politicians have also experienced delays, with a Jersey States Member saying: "I'm really disappointed despite making every effort to secure my postal vote, it has not arrived."
Five Channel Islands politicians are currently in the UK as part of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Election Observation Mission to scrutinise the election process.
However, they were unable to comment on postal vote issues while the process is ongoing.
British citizens now have lifelong right to vote
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