Posters are popping up on the streets, post boxes are filling with manifestos and social media is cluttered with videos from election hopefuls keen to secure islanders’ votes. But are they grasping the attention of younger voters?
Since 2008, 16-year-olds have been able to have their say in Jersey’s election – an opportunity not shared by their UK counterparts. But how much interest do they take in the government’s make-up and what do they look for?
Pictured: Year 12 students gave Express their views on the upcoming election and Jersey politics in general.
Express has been to Jersey College for Girls to chat to six Year 12 students called Rebecca, Rosie, Ellie, Zara, Brooke and Juliette, who revealed that they want to know a bit about the background of a candidate, their passion and experience before they even start to hear their key priorities.
We will be following their election journey in the run-up to the big day on 16 May, when islanders will choose who they want to represent them in the States Assembly.
In the first report, the teenagers explained how they access election information – giving standing candidates an idea of how to reach out for an area of potential backing – but as new voters, they are a tough crowd to win over, especially as some are not 100% sure who does what in the States….
