Sark teens get the vote from 16

Friday 18 November 2022

The voting age across the Channel Islands is now 16 for everyone, after an update to Sark's law today.

Jersey and Guernsey lowered their voting age from 18 to 16 in 2007.

Alderney only introduced voting from the age of 16 this year in what was one of King Charles III's first acts as Monarch, making it somewhat of a landmark.

His Majesty acceded to the throne on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September. 

Alderney's law change was registered in the island's court in September, after receiving Royal Assent from the Privy Council during the week immediately after the death of Her Majesty. on 13 September. 

Pictured: King Charles III has given Royal Assent to new laws meaning 16 and 17 year olds can vote in Alderney and Sark.

His Majesty has also now, with His Privy Council, approved the same change in Sark.

It means that from today, once the law is enacted in the island, any 16 and 17 year olds who are resident in the island can register to vote. They will then be able to cast their votes at Sark's General Election due to be held next month.

The Seneschal, Victoria Stamps said "anyone can join the electoral roll whenever the Greffe is open - this is 14:30 to 16:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday."

She added that if any teenagers wished to register immediately after the law is enacted today then they may be able to if the Greffier is still at the court. 

Pictured: Sark's court is at Chief Pleas.

The Chief Secretary to Chief Pleas previewed the voting age change with the following statement: 

"On 18 November 2022, the Seneschals Court will register a change to the Sark Reform Law which will enable residents to be entered on the electoral register at the age of 16 and vote in elections.

"This change also allows residents aged 18 years and over who have completed 24 consecutive months residency (after the age of 13) to be entered on the electoral register as soon as they return to Sark and therefore to stand for election as a Conseiller. 

"Previously any returning or new residents was required to complete 24 consecutive months residency immediately preceding their eligibility to be entered on the electoral register. 

"This change will enable more residents to vote and, crucially, stand as Conseillers at a time when Chief Pleas needs to maintain the Island's autonomy and continued democracy."

Pictured: Chief Pleas in Sark.

Sark's General Election is scheduled for 14 December.

Nine Conseiller seats will be up for election, with a date set aside in January if there needs to be a new vote if the number cast is tied.

The electoral roll will close to all residents on 25 November, meaning anyone aged 16 or over and living in Sark can sign on to the electoral roll before then.

The nomination period is 28 November until midday on 2 December.