Islanders could be heading to the polling stations at the weekend next year in a bid to make voting more accessible for students and those in full-time jobs.

A proposition has been lodged requesting that States Members agree to hold Jersey’s next general election on Sunday 7 June 2026.

The Privileges and Procedures Committee suggested a weekend date for the first time after reviewing data obtained from other jurisdictions where voter turnout is higher.

Committee Chair Constable Karen Shenton-Stone said: “Research suggests that in many countries where elections are held at a weekend, voter turnout is much higher, and that Sundays are the preferred day for the electorate in those jurisdictions.

“The Committee believes that weekend voting will make it easier for islanders – especially working people and students – to vote.

“It enables locations such as schools to be used as polling stations and gives families the chance to take their children to the polling station and show them democracy in action.

“Real democracy is when all adults have an equal opportunity to vote, and we need to explore ways to level the playing field if we want ours to function well.”

Deputy Sam Mézec praised the proposition as “an excellent common sense proposal which will hopefully make voting just a little bit easier”.

Figures suggest that, over the past 30 years, voter turnout in Jersey has averaged 44.1%, while for the 2022 election was 41.7%.

Data from the Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey also suggested that weekday polls disadvantage islanders in full-time employment and younger voters who are students.

The 2022 report revealed that 53% of islanders aged over 65 voted, compared to 17% of those aged 16 to 34.

States Members will need to approve the proposition before the election date is confirmed.

The proposition is due to be debated on Tuesday 1 April 2025.